Sidmouth Under-9s entertained Exmouth who were able to do something many local teams can’t manage, field three teams for action against the three home sides, writes Dave Munro-Higgs.

The first Sidmouth team served up a solid performance which grew in balance and fluidity with each match, and ensured three successes in as many outings.

With Luca Arver working like a tackling machine and Thomas Grove making crucial recovery tackles together the team presented a wall to the opposition!

Meanwhile Alexander Goody and Scott Munro-Higgs made some great darting runs up the wing to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Other notable performances came from Gyll Gray who ran hard and straight and William Allen who grew visibly in confidence and presence.

The Sidmouth ‘Bacon Baps’ team came flying out the blocks with Will Morris captain in the first game, Herbie Isherwood the second and Zac Arver the third.

The team also included Charley Turley, Reece Hext, Toby Mortimer, Harry Wood and Ben Brook.

Playing against three good Exmouth sides, Sidmouth exchanged scores with lots of tackles and offloads from both teams.

A pleasing aspect of the Sidmouth performances was that they kept their line across the pitch and the support play when tackled was very good.

The tackler of the morning award was won by Zac Arver who didn’t miss a tackle all morning and trip of the morning (in the form of forward roll into standing position following a gentle nudge from a player) went to referee Will Thomas who kept play flowing and in good order.

The third Sidmouth team played well throughout winning their games, but with Exmouth learning in each game from the well organised Sidmouth teams.

Archie Rowcliffe and Ellie Munro-Higgs produced some great crash ball runs which complemented the quick feet of Jack Pugh, Alec Bagwell, Daisy Grove and Toby Sanford.

As usual Laisey Jackson tackled her heart out with Ted Jenkins, Oscar Bruce and Toby Morris usefully linking the team together.

Jack Pugh produced some marvellous moments three length-of-the-pitch runs, clearly outpacing the Exmouth players.