Sat 20 Sep 2025
Sidmouth made the short trip to Topsham with a changed squad, looking to keep the momentum going from last week’s home victory against Exmouth.
Topsham came out firing on all cylinders, having won their opening two games. A penalty from the scrum-half soon followed, along with an unconverted try out wide (8-0). The home side then added another score from a quick tap penalty, with the second row breaking through a gap in Sidmouth’s short-side defence. The conversion was successful (15-0).
Sidmouth finally got into their stride with some strong forward carries, and the home side was fortunate not to concede a yellow card for persistent infringements. However, a handling error from the new-look purple away kit allowed Topsham off the hook. Lewis Tose finally got Sidmouth’s first points of the day with a penalty from 40m out, straight in front of the posts, to make it 15-3 at half-time.
The second half started in similar fashion, with another penalty from the Topsham scrum-half (18-3). Sidmouth’s first try came from Shaun Malton, who found a gap out wide to score, though the conversion was missed (18-8). Topsham extended their lead with a try from their No. 8, which was converted (25-8). Their bonus-point try came from a kick through, with the bounce favouring the home side. An offload to the winger saw him score under the posts, and the conversion was good (32-8).
The home side showed why they remain unbeaten, capitalising on another Sidmouth handling error and moving the ball wide to score again, with the conversion successful (39-8). Sidmouth responded with a try from Archie Cruze, who powered straight through the centres. Tose added the extras (39-15).
Topsham’s final try came from a turnover in the tackle, with the winger dotting down untouched. The scrum-half converted (46-15). Sidmouth had the last say, when Tom Mead broke through to score under the posts, with Tose adding the conversion.
Final score: Topsham 46 – 22 Sidmouth.
Next week sees a double-header at the Blackmore, with both teams in cup action: the 2nd XV kicking off at 1pm, followed by the 1st XV taking on Crediton at 3:30pm.
Topsham came out firing on all cylinders, having won their opening two games. A penalty from the scrum-half soon followed, along with an unconverted try out wide (8-0). The home side then added another score from a quick tap penalty, with the second row breaking through a gap in Sidmouth’s short-side defence. The conversion was successful (15-0).
Sidmouth finally got into their stride with some strong forward carries, and the home side was fortunate not to concede a yellow card for persistent infringements. However, a handling error from the new-look purple away kit allowed Topsham off the hook. Lewis Tose finally got Sidmouth’s first points of the day with a penalty from 40m out, straight in front of the posts, to make it 15-3 at half-time.
The second half started in similar fashion, with another penalty from the Topsham scrum-half (18-3). Sidmouth’s first try came from Shaun Malton, who found a gap out wide to score, though the conversion was missed (18-8). Topsham extended their lead with a try from their No. 8, which was converted (25-8). Their bonus-point try came from a kick through, with the bounce favouring the home side. An offload to the winger saw him score under the posts, and the conversion was good (32-8).
The home side showed why they remain unbeaten, capitalising on another Sidmouth handling error and moving the ball wide to score again, with the conversion successful (39-8). Sidmouth responded with a try from Archie Cruze, who powered straight through the centres. Tose added the extras (39-15).
Topsham’s final try came from a turnover in the tackle, with the winger dotting down untouched. The scrum-half converted (46-15). Sidmouth had the last say, when Tom Mead broke through to score under the posts, with Tose adding the conversion.
Final score: Topsham 46 – 22 Sidmouth.
Next week sees a double-header at the Blackmore, with both teams in cup action: the 2nd XV kicking off at 1pm, followed by the 1st XV taking on Crediton at 3:30pm.
