Sat 25 Apr 2026
Sidmouth held on in a dramatic, nerve-shredding relegation play-off at a sun-drenched Blackmore Ground, roaring to a 44–41 victory over Chew Valley in front of a massive home crowd.
The afternoon couldn’t have started worse for the hosts. Key back-rower Will Cornish was forced off injured within the opening minute, leaving a massive hole to fill. Step forward young Toby Sanford: fresh off two months of travelling, Sanford stepped into the fray and would go on to play a defining role in the result.
After falling 5–0 behind early on, Sidmouth responded in style. Sam Heathcote finished clinicaly out wide before the pack took control; Ben Phillips crashed over from close range before Sanford himself drove over from a well-executed catch-and-drive to move the score to 17–5.
Chew Valley hit back to stay in contention, but Sidmouth struck a psychological blow just before the interval. Following slick phase play, George Locke found the gap to slice through the defense and score. Lewis Tose added the extras to send Sidmouth into the tunnel with a 24–10 lead.
The visitors came out firing in the second half, narrowing the gap to 24–17, but Sidmouth’s response was immediate and spectacular. A surging break from Rory O’Brien set the platform for Cian Warren to finish superbly in the corner. Tose showed nerves of steel to nail the touchline conversion, momentarily steadying the home side’s nerves.
Tose’s boot continued to be vital, slotting two penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking, but Chew Valley refused to go quietly. The visitors crossed for three late tries to set up a frantic, one-score finish at 44–41.
With the game on the line and momentum firmly with the visitors, Sidmouth dug deep for one final moment of grit. Nathan Tomkins produced a massive, match-winning turnover in the final play, allowing Tose to calmly dispatch the ball into touch—and over the garden fences—to spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch.
Lewis Tose capped a standout kicking performance to share Player of the Day honours with the tireless Toby Sanford, as Sidmouth officially secured their place at Level 5 for next season.
The afternoon couldn’t have started worse for the hosts. Key back-rower Will Cornish was forced off injured within the opening minute, leaving a massive hole to fill. Step forward young Toby Sanford: fresh off two months of travelling, Sanford stepped into the fray and would go on to play a defining role in the result.
After falling 5–0 behind early on, Sidmouth responded in style. Sam Heathcote finished clinicaly out wide before the pack took control; Ben Phillips crashed over from close range before Sanford himself drove over from a well-executed catch-and-drive to move the score to 17–5.
Chew Valley hit back to stay in contention, but Sidmouth struck a psychological blow just before the interval. Following slick phase play, George Locke found the gap to slice through the defense and score. Lewis Tose added the extras to send Sidmouth into the tunnel with a 24–10 lead.
The visitors came out firing in the second half, narrowing the gap to 24–17, but Sidmouth’s response was immediate and spectacular. A surging break from Rory O’Brien set the platform for Cian Warren to finish superbly in the corner. Tose showed nerves of steel to nail the touchline conversion, momentarily steadying the home side’s nerves.
Tose’s boot continued to be vital, slotting two penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking, but Chew Valley refused to go quietly. The visitors crossed for three late tries to set up a frantic, one-score finish at 44–41.
With the game on the line and momentum firmly with the visitors, Sidmouth dug deep for one final moment of grit. Nathan Tomkins produced a massive, match-winning turnover in the final play, allowing Tose to calmly dispatch the ball into touch—and over the garden fences—to spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch.
Lewis Tose capped a standout kicking performance to share Player of the Day honours with the tireless Toby Sanford, as Sidmouth officially secured their place at Level 5 for next season.
