Sidmouth RFC U16 15, Exeter Saracens 8

Sidmouth U16s got the full-on game they expected against Saracens and, with the score locked at 8-8 in the last play of the game, attacked from their own 22 through Goddard, Toomey, Cotton and Thomas, for Cotton to take a return pass and out-sprint the frantic Saracens’ defence.

The game was full of energy, skill under pressure, running and entertainment and in stark contrast to the collision-dominated England Saxons’ game the evening before.

Saracens dominated each kick-off with their captain Theo Thomson setting a great example. Fionn Wright put them into the lead with a well executed midfield break after good carries by Little and Curran. But key to the Sidmouth performance was their defence and, after the early wake-up call, Toomey, Locke and Wells Burr were outstanding in Sidmouth’s midfield. In the forwards, Sam Carlisle and the front row of Down, Welsford and Headon, each showed commitment and effort and were rewarded with their part in influencing the match. This was a great game of junior league rugby which neither side deserved to lose and Sidmouth look forward to their next meeting with Saracens.