Sidmouth Under-9s won both the matches when they entertained Honiton at Sidford.

The team’s arrived set for a tight, hard-fought encounter, but they did not expect the conditions to be as bad!

Freezing rain fell to make the pitch swamp-like!

Spectators huddled together in a bid to defeat the elements and the coaches, giving due consideration to the conditions, opted to split their squads and play two games simultaneously.

In the first half, against the Honiton A, Sidmouth performed admirably, and, despite the conditions, managed to score some excellent tries whilst battling hard in defence.

Will Pulman and Finn Cotton both bagged a brace of tries and half-time arrived with Sidmouth winning by the odd try in nine.

In the second half the changes were rung in the Sidmouth ranks and Honiton attempted to get back in the game, but thanks to some great tackling and fast running Sidmouth never looked likely to let their lead slip.

Ellie Wood ran at the opposition time after time and, in what became an outstanding team performance almost every single player crossed for a try!

Luka Manning crossed the whitewash twice and there were fine tries to for George Tanner, Ned Coles and Ben Elsom as Sidmouth sealed a 12-6 success.

The other match saw the Sidmouth team taking on Honiton B who they dominated from the first whistle.

Such was the home control that their line was rarely threatened.

The weather deteriorated badly, but the superb team spirit in the Sidmouth ranks was there for all to see and that helped them through a difficult contest – difficult in terms of tackling the elements!

In one sweeping team move Jake Paget crossed the whitewash for what was a magnificent team try.

At the other end of the pitch the Sidmouth defending was of the highest order and the home side were able to take a 5-1 lead into the interval.

After the break Sidmouth ran tirelessly with Ollie Marsh, in particular, proving a real force as he scored four tries.

The visitors did manage to add three more, but Sidmouth emerged worthy 12-4 winners.