The fixtures between these two clubs have been very closely contested at every age group dating back many years, with Exmouth winning on more occasions than Sidmouth. This season’s meeting lived up to that reputation, although Sidmouth tried hard to reverse the trend for a lot of this match.

It took only a couple of minutes before Exmouth conceded a penalty which was comfortably converted by Hugo Gosden. Exmouth replied with a try which came about from the dogged strength of their forwards, pushing the Sidmouth pack over their own line.

The lead once again switched due to a try from Charlie Davies, carving his way past the Exmouth backs, after some nimble handling along the Sidmouth line from Jake Sawer.

It has been a feature of the Colts’ play this year that their scrums and line outs have been improving with each game, so it was with some disappointment that they let Exmouth steal the ball at a line out, leaving them close to the Sidmouth try line. Exmouth seized this chance by quickly adding numbers to drive over the line to recapture the lead.

The second half saw good teamwork from both sides. Sidmouth were able to draw level, but Exmouth had an excess of power up front and managed yet again to push over for a try, taking the lead which they held on to until the final whistle. Sidmouth Colts played a reliable and solid game with good performances coming from all team members