Sidmouth Under-16s suffer upright woe in Brixham defeat

Sidmouth under U16's at home to Brixham. Ref shsp 5672-16-15TI. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Brixham’s first points came from a penalty that hit one of the uprights and bounced over the bar.

When Sidmouth had a conversion to kick in the second half, the same post that helped Brixham denied them the points.

In a game as close as this one was – Brixham beat Sidmouth 15-12 – such incidents are decisive.

A penalty kick was all that comprised the difference with swift Brixham backs who were matched by a strong Sidmouth defence.

Having taken the lead with a penalty Brixham went further in front with an unconverted try.

Possession reverted to Sidmouth and Barnett made good ground. However, they were unable to break through the Brixham defence.

Brixham won a few attacking scrums during a period of scrappy play, but the Sidmouth defence was solid and a good clearing kick into touch relieved the pressure.

The visitors added a second try when one of their players avoided being held in a tackle, jumped over the now recumbent Sidmouth player, regained his balance and scored a well-deserved try under the posts for a straightforward conversion.

Sidmouth took play back into Brixham territory and put pressure on their defence. Davies saw his opportunity and with a great charge down, kick and chase gave Sidmouth their first try. Allen converted for a 15-7 deficit at the break.

Poor Brixham discipline after the break led to Sidmouth kicking penalties into the corner.

After a first scoring attempt failed, Sidmouth had another go.

Pearse secured the ball and a strong driving maul gave Bright the momentum for a solid try. The conversion hit the woodwork.

Brixham came back hard but determined Sidmouth defence held them on the line and a good scrum removed the danger.

Good attacks from both sides were deflected by strong defence and no further points were scored.