Sidmouth Under-15s were beaten 35-26 when they entertained Honiton for their latest action.

The hosts, lacking in competitive action for several weeks owing to waterlogged pitches and opposition cry off’s, were eager to get back on the pitch. Honiton, hot off the heels from a victory against Exmouth, arrived looking determined to exact revenge for the Sidmouth win at Allhallows earlier in the season.

Sidmouth started the stronger, applying pressure from the kick off, which forced a mistake and allowed Sidmouth to burst through the mid-field and, after several phases of play, captain Finley Johnson crossed for the opening try, converted by Cole Monaghan.

Honiton hit back strongly and their persistence was rewarded as they scored a couple of tries to lead 17-7 at the break.

Sidmouth, despite their clear lack of recent action, showed good energy levels from the start of the second half.

They performed well at the line out, and, with ball in hand, were very purposeful.

Tony Wilson, who the club are delighted to have back in the Sidmouth ranks, made his presence felt in the outside centre berth.

The teenager has clearly lost none of his explosive power and pace and he capped his return with a fantastic hat-trick.

However, despite the home side notching up the tries, Honiton also continued to score at the other end of the pitch.

They disrupted ball at the breakdown very effectively and managed to frustrate and rattle the home side.

This harrying approach led to a couple of errors which in turn Honiton capitalised on to score.

In addition, on at least two separate occasions Sidmouth conceded penalties, whilst Sidmouth disputed, protested and generally grumbled, the quick witted Honiton team exploited the slow retreating home side to run in a couple of tries. Some clear lessons for the Sidmouth boys to take into the next couple of weeks!

The home side worked hard to get themselves back in the game also managed a try from the industrious Tom Bree.

However, Sidmouth found themselves playing catch up and leaving themselves a bit too much to do to grind out the result.

This Sunday (March 5) Sidmouth visit Bridport.