Sidmouth Under-9s took on teams from Bridport in muddy conditions that proved to be a real test of stamina.

The Sidmouth green team, comprising of Charlie Turley, Scott Monro-Higgs, Reece Hext, Jack Pugh, Toby Sanford, Thomas Grove, Matthew Thomas and Alec Bagwell, started well and there were some good tries from Jack Pugh and Charlie Turley with some strong tackles from Scott Monro Higgs and Toby Sanford, which all contributed to a 10-1 Sidmouth success.

Under-9 coach Dave Munro Higgs said: “Having practiced two new moves it was good to see them being implemented across the team with scrum halves starting to strategise throughout the game.”

The team’s second outing saw tries from Alec Bagwell, Toby Sanford, Charlie Turley, Reece Hext and Thomas Grove in another 12-1 success.

The Sidmouth purple team also played Bridport twice having been practising side stepping before the game!

The first tries from Herbie Isherwood and Harry McMahon in the first game came from good straight running and allowed Sidmouth to edge a close encounter by five scores to four.

There were tired legs obvious in game two, but there was a terrific performance from Laisey Jackson who proved she’d taken note of the pre-match coaching as she side-stepped her way through the Bridport ranks to scores a stunning solo try! Elli Munro Higgs was prominent with her trade mark tackling – in one phase of play she knocked back three opposition players, sending them some distance back deep into their own territory!

Gyll Gray, Sam Hartland and Harry Wood also showed great improvement in their ability to sidestep and, in the case of Gyll Gray, to also go through players without sidestepping! The second game for team purple ended in another 5-4 success.

The Orange team worked hard against a well-organised Bridport side that hd blistering pace.

William Allen showed good strength to cross the gain line on a number of occasions. The Morris twins put in their usual shift and new recruit Harry Finch put in some outstanding try-saving tackles. Dominic Clapp, Ted Jenkins, Toby Mortimer, Thomas Biggers, Leon Rowley, Arlow Squires, Oscar Bruce, Roman Moore and Ben Brook all played their part in what was an enjoyable but muddy morning’s rugby!