For the first time this season Sidmouth, who sport good numbers at this age group, were outnumbered with Exmouth’s 23 player quad being two more than the home club fielded.

Three good size pitches were set out for the morning’s action.

Team Wall started a little timidly until Sam Smart got his hands on the ball and made the first of many mazy runs full of side-steps and dodges to score in the corner!

He was joined in the scoring by Jerry Min, who made some fantastic straight runs, Jude Horrocks, who took a lot of ball into contact, and Harry Murphy, who made sure he was available in all areas to help with defence and attack,

Karan Bountra and Will Garland did themselves proud with some slick passing, offloads and stern defence while William Oliver continues to improve week on week. Team Wall ended the morning with a win, a draw and a defeat from their three games.

Team Moss gave the visitors a stern test! Aiden Corfield and Alex Harvey led the defence, ably assisted by Leah Patch. Eli Moss and Lucas Vicary led the way with their weaving runs while Henry Tanner and Olly Marchant made a nuisance of themselves running straight at the defence. There was a bit of a discipline issue at times but this was overcome by the team and on balance they came out on top with two wins and a draw.

Team Patch welcomed back coach Aaron Patch after a short period on the sidelines. It was certainly good to see him pick up where he left off.

The passing and offloading by this team was a joy to behold and they worked well together.

Strong, straight running from Lawrence Coles broke the holes for the ball to then go through the hands and it was clear for all watching that the teams intent at all times was to look forward and score tries.

In attack, the team had a great eye for space and Jack Ponting was often on the receiving end of a pass from Will Cotton or Jack Bell.

In defence, Noah Clifton and Joe Ford were too strong and the team made good use of the tactic of tackling into touch to regain possession of the ball.

The team’s unity was too much for Exmouth to handle and they racked up wins in all three games.

For excellent work in attack and defence, as well as listening to advice, Coach Patch picked out Isaac Wall to win a well deserved Player of the Day trophy with a notable three pirouette try, the pick of the morning’s scores.

On Sunday (December 18) Sidmouth Under-9s host Newton Abbot RFC at Sidford. There is then a break for Christmas with training resuming on January 8, at 10am.