U13s were truly entertaining

Sidmouth U13s travelled to Ivybridge to a much needed game after weeks of frustration, writes Chris Woodruff.

Slate grey skies cast a gloomy backdrop on a sandy but playable surface as Sidmouth absorbed intense pressure from Ivybridge. Strong rucking and well timed cover from the backs, particularly Mead, frustrated the home team as their possession failed to return dividends. Against the run of play Lowe punctured the line incisively laying the ball off to Hubble who cut loose for a superb counter try which Harris converted.

Ivybridge piled on the pressure, pinning Sidmouth in their half for a sustained period but resolute forward play held fast. Eventually a well worked move out to the left wing and deft hands delivered a deserved try for Ivybridge. A repeat move in quick succession left the home side three points up at half time.

Sidmouth started the second half well as Mead weaved a path through flailing opposition arms to go over and Harris converted. Tough decisions brought play back to Sidmouth’s rear line twice and an overload eventually produced a further left wing try for Ivybridge (converted). An entertaining period of counter play followed as Sidmouth fought back and were unlucky not to secure a try through Mead and then Woodruff used his football skills to thwart an immediate counter attack from Ivy. Sidmouth looked strong to the end and were unlucky as Perez almost intercepted a ball which Ivybridge moved quickly left on an unbalanced Sidmouth defence to run in and convert. This was a complete team performance from both old and new Sidmouth players.

which all rightly recognised as a truly entertaining game of rugby.