Sidmouth RFC 3rd XV 26, Okehampton 28

Sidmouth 3rd XV are surely close to their first win of season , following this result, writes Will Holland.

Sidmouth were kind enough to lend Okehampton a couple of players each half to make it a competitive encounter which it duly proved. Sidmouth’s plan was always going to be one of quick rucking to release their quick backs whilst Okehampton’s was to keep it with their forwards.

These two contrasting styles made for an exciting encounter although a lot that can be put down to missed tackles as well from both sides. Okehampton scored first with a pushover try from a lineout which was unconverted. Sidmouth responded with a penalty kicked by Adam Squance. Sidmouth took the lead when Paul Shillingford ran the ball from deep inside his own half beating several defenders with his pace before touching down under the posts. Squance duly converted the extras.

The game then stagnated, with mistakes being made by either side but Okehampton still managed to get on the score sheet with another unconverted try before Squance and his opposite number traded penalties to make the half time score 13-13

The second half began with both sides agreeing to play uncontested scrums due to safety grounds. This should have meant advantage Sidmouth, but Okehampton adapted quicker, kicking behind Sidmouth to force them to make mistakes in their own half. They capitalised, quickly scoring early on to take the lead. Sidmouth were having to make more tackles in the second half with Dan Coulson and Paul Shillingford prominent with some punishing hits on the opposition.

All the while Squance was keeping the scoreboard ticking for Sidmouth with two more penalties in the second half.

Unfortunately, Sidmouth gave away a sloppy try towards the end of the game which was converted, and although Sidmouth did reply with a try from Squance who converted, it just left Sidmouth short.

A big thank you to Alex Hill, Chris Legg and Mark Oke who all played for the opposition and a well done to Ben Salter, Chris Aplin and Adam Squance who were the pick of the Sidmouth team. Please let’s keep the good work up for the next game!