The U9s were beaten by a coin in the semi-finals of the annual Devon RFU U9 tournament hosted this year by Exeter Saracens, writes Mark Williams.

They played Kingsbridge in the semis, dominating the game and playing entirely in the Kingsbridge half but a couple of missed passes and an heroic defence left the game scoreless at the final whistle. Having scored more tries and conceded fewer on count-back, Sidmouth would have been through to the final, however, the organisers decided drawn games would be decided on the toss of a coin so one shout of 'tails' later, Sidmouth were heading home from a competition they could have won!

But, with 21 U9 teams from all over Devon competing it was an exciting day, despite Sidmouth missing five of their squad to the schools tag tournament being held at Sandy Park which Sidmouth Schools won (see back page).

At Saracens, the U9s had beaten Exmouth 15-1, OPMs from Plymouth 10-0, finishing unbeaten and top of their group therefore qualifying for the cup competition. At this point there was good news and bad news, the good was a bye through to the semi finals, the bad was the three-hour wait to play it and to make matters worse the weather gave players and supporters a good battering!

So then followed three hours of messing about, training, eating, watching potential opposition and cowering in our gazebo! Finally the moment arrived and we discovered, having beaten Exeter Chiefs in their quarter final, Kingsbridge would be our semi final opponents. Sidmouth were fantastic in every aspect of the game except actually scoring a try!!

It has been a fantastic season with 37 matches played and only for lost! The bond that is growing in this team is very strong and bodes well for the future, I for one can't wait for next season. Thanks for following us and have a great summer.