Sidmouth Under-9s had yet another magnificent turn out for the Under-9 age group with 23 players itching for action when the club journeyed to Topsham for their latest Sunday morning matches.

The hosts are also able to field good numbers and so each club formed three teams to play on the two narrow pitches that were available at Bonfire Field.

With a bit of a hill to contend with it’s safe to say that the first half was a bit of a challenge and Topsham often managed to get up a head of steam. That’s not to say there wasn’t some great rugby out there however and there was lots of good play and teamwork to be pleased with.

The games were very competitive and the Sidmouth youngsters well to bounce back from a couple of early defeats to get some draws and round the morning off with a terrific 9-0 success thanks to excellent work from Oliver Marchant, Lawrance Cole and a couple of fine interceptions by Lucas Vicary.

Sam Smart was his usual speedy runner although managed to end up on the wrong side of a pincer movement with Jake Dunstan resulting in a bit of a black eye!

Everyone was involved in two games and appeared to enjoy the mud – some of the youngsters ended up with considerable weight added to their boots which slowed them down a bit!

A Sidmouth Under-9s coach commented: “The narrow pitches made the going hard although the kids didn’t always help themselves – there is still the need for the kids to get the ball into the space which is inevitably on the outside – they’re not alone however – even the pro’s often miss this!

“The level of play though and consistent effort is very pleasing, this was exemplified by Noah Clifton who was named as player of the day.”

Sidmouth Under-9s entertain teams from Cullompton this Sunday (December 4).