Sat 8 Feb 2025
MATSON 30 v SIDMOUTH 10
Sidmouth travelled up to Matson with 5 changes from the team that previously ran out winners at the Blackmore last weekend.
This was an opportunity for players playing well in the 2nd team to step up to level 5.
Sidmouth won the toss and played down the slope and started well with lots of pressure in the Matson third, Phil Dollman opened up the scoring with a penalty from 35m out.
Matson pretty much replied straight away after Sidmouth struggled to clear their own lines, knocking over a penalty of their own.
Matson proceeded to get on the wrong side of the ref with a number of penalties, which resulted in the home team being down to 12 players, unfortunately with the large amount of pressure Sidmouth only managed one try out wide for Cian Warren, Rory O’Brien added the touchline conversion.
Losing the players inspired Matson and energised their defence, which was the noticeable theme throughout the game.
A kick to the corner from a penalty led to a well worked catch and drive try, which was unconverted 8-10. Sidmouth were holding on to the lead whilst being under lots of pressure, but they finally lost the lead when Matson scored out wide to take the lead 13-10, followed by the half time whistle.
Matson made a few changes in the front row, this favoured the home side and continued their dominance up front. Momentum was with the home side and drop goal and chip and chase converted try extended the lead to 23-10. Sidmouth battled hard, even losing Shaun Malton to a team offence yellow card, things were slipping away and Matson finished the game with a bonus point try out wide.
There were notable mentions for Harvey Hannay making his first start for the 1st XV, Scott Henderson making a late shift to the back row, and Alfie Collins making an impact off the bench. Jack Hembrow made his debut in the centre after some solid performances in the 2nd XV, the young centre has a bright future.
Report by Glenn Channing
Sidmouth travelled up to Matson with 5 changes from the team that previously ran out winners at the Blackmore last weekend.
This was an opportunity for players playing well in the 2nd team to step up to level 5.
Sidmouth won the toss and played down the slope and started well with lots of pressure in the Matson third, Phil Dollman opened up the scoring with a penalty from 35m out.
Matson pretty much replied straight away after Sidmouth struggled to clear their own lines, knocking over a penalty of their own.
Matson proceeded to get on the wrong side of the ref with a number of penalties, which resulted in the home team being down to 12 players, unfortunately with the large amount of pressure Sidmouth only managed one try out wide for Cian Warren, Rory O’Brien added the touchline conversion.
Losing the players inspired Matson and energised their defence, which was the noticeable theme throughout the game.
A kick to the corner from a penalty led to a well worked catch and drive try, which was unconverted 8-10. Sidmouth were holding on to the lead whilst being under lots of pressure, but they finally lost the lead when Matson scored out wide to take the lead 13-10, followed by the half time whistle.
Matson made a few changes in the front row, this favoured the home side and continued their dominance up front. Momentum was with the home side and drop goal and chip and chase converted try extended the lead to 23-10. Sidmouth battled hard, even losing Shaun Malton to a team offence yellow card, things were slipping away and Matson finished the game with a bonus point try out wide.
There were notable mentions for Harvey Hannay making his first start for the 1st XV, Scott Henderson making a late shift to the back row, and Alfie Collins making an impact off the bench. Jack Hembrow made his debut in the centre after some solid performances in the 2nd XV, the young centre has a bright future.
Report by Glenn Channing
