Sat 7 Sep 2024
On this showing Sidmouth Chiefs look capable of competing at this higher level but will need to be a bit more tactically smart, particularly in the wet conditions which prevailed in this match. Mistakes are going to be more severely punished.
The Chiefs made a good start, but Exmouth took the lead on their first visit into the Sidmouth 22. From the back of a lineout maul 10 metres out, the scrum half worked a scissors with the inside centre who cut through a gap to touch down for a converted try.
The Chiefs were quickly back on the attack, and, from a similar lineout catch-and-drive, Tom Hodge drove over from close range. The try was unconverted.
Sidmouth continued to enjoy territorial advantage with Josh Bess winning a lot of good lineout possession and Phil Dollman controlling matters from fly half.
In the closing minutes of the half, Shaun Malton dummied his way through a gap to put Sidmouth ahead with a try converted by Dollman, 12-7 at halftime.
With the departure of Josh Bess with a head injury Sidmouth lost their advantage in the lineout. Ten minutes after the break, Exmouth narrowed the margin with a penalty by the fly half.
With the Sidmouth scrum under increasing pressure, Exmouth were gaining the upper hand and took the lead midway though the half with a second penalty soon followed by a converted try by the number eight from a five-metre scrum.
The Chiefs were still in contention, but an interception try by the left winger put Exmouth out of sight. However, the Chief fought to the end and deservedly scored a third try when Shaun Malton touched down at the back of a lineout maul. Jake Smith added the conversion to complete the scoring.
On Saturday the Chiefs travel to Ivybridge.
On the Blackmore Field the Quins entertain Okehampton 2nds at 3pm.
The Colts travel to Newton Abbot.
On Friday evening the Over 35s entertain the Looseheadz XV kicking off at 6pm.
The Chiefs made a good start, but Exmouth took the lead on their first visit into the Sidmouth 22. From the back of a lineout maul 10 metres out, the scrum half worked a scissors with the inside centre who cut through a gap to touch down for a converted try.
The Chiefs were quickly back on the attack, and, from a similar lineout catch-and-drive, Tom Hodge drove over from close range. The try was unconverted.
Sidmouth continued to enjoy territorial advantage with Josh Bess winning a lot of good lineout possession and Phil Dollman controlling matters from fly half.
In the closing minutes of the half, Shaun Malton dummied his way through a gap to put Sidmouth ahead with a try converted by Dollman, 12-7 at halftime.
With the departure of Josh Bess with a head injury Sidmouth lost their advantage in the lineout. Ten minutes after the break, Exmouth narrowed the margin with a penalty by the fly half.
With the Sidmouth scrum under increasing pressure, Exmouth were gaining the upper hand and took the lead midway though the half with a second penalty soon followed by a converted try by the number eight from a five-metre scrum.
The Chiefs were still in contention, but an interception try by the left winger put Exmouth out of sight. However, the Chief fought to the end and deservedly scored a third try when Shaun Malton touched down at the back of a lineout maul. Jake Smith added the conversion to complete the scoring.
On Saturday the Chiefs travel to Ivybridge.
On the Blackmore Field the Quins entertain Okehampton 2nds at 3pm.
The Colts travel to Newton Abbot.
On Friday evening the Over 35s entertain the Looseheadz XV kicking off at 6pm.
