Sidmouth 7, Exmouth 0 Sidmouth Under-16s produced an outstanding all-round performance to gain a richly deserved victory.

After the highly intensive mid-week professional training session Sidmouth went into the derby game with both confidence and eager anticipation.

The coaching team, in one of their last outings as a group, encouraged the boys to play their own game and to act as if the other team didn’t exist!

This strategy had the desired effect with Sidmouth starting strongly and completely dominating both scrums and line-outs which led to quick ball to the backs and that in turn allowed the three quarters to display the skills that they had threatened to show all season!

The Green Machine built on the recent extra-time 8-0 win at Crediton to demonstrate some remarkable skills across the field both whilst attacking and, when necessary, defending.

Jack Sowden’s concurrent tackling session paid great dividends with no missed tackles and some defenders looking remarkably like tackle bags!

The game was without a score at the break and that did not reflect what had been a clear Sidmouth dominance in the half.

Upon the re-start Sidmouth were quickly back into their stride and it was no more than they deserved when the visitors, not for the first time, tried the match officials patience a little too often resulting in a penalty try, awarded for constant non-attendance by Exmouth.

This was the least he could have done and was well received by players, coaches and parents alike.

With the prospect of Okehampton and Exeter at home over the next couple of weeks Sidmouth can enjoy a much deserved result and build from here to the end of the season.