Sat 11 Sep 2021
SIDMOUTH 1st XV 0 v LYDNEY 1st XV 0
When I phone this result in to the league administrator, the response was “did the match not take place or was it abandoned?” I had to assure that it was played to a conclusion. Indeed, there had been plenty of entertaining rugby and dramatic incidents to interest the supporters, just no scoring.
A check through all Sidmouth Chief’s result going back to my first game in 1967 revealed that there had not been a single scoreless match in those 54 years, although there is a surprising number at 3-0 and 3-3.
The large crowd at the Blackmore Field attending the first home league match staged for 17 months included rugby royalty in the considerable shape of All Blacks legend Zinzan Brook along with minor local celebs Shaun Malton (former Exeter and Bristol hooker), Exeter Chiefs Ladies captain and coach Kate Thackery and Genine Duncan. And, of course, on the pitch, Phil Dollman making his debut as a player, who produced a flawless display at full back including two 50 metre breaks to set up try scoring chances, both snuffed out by excellent last-ditch tackles.
The Chiefs kicked off in perfect conditions and kept play inside the Lydney half until a clearance kick was fielded by Phil Dollman inside his own half. His long run put his side on the attack again. The forwards drove a lineout maul to th line but were penalised.
A loose pass gifted an interception to the Lydney right winger, who sprinted 90 metres but was recalled for putting a foot in touch.
A Harry Rumens break from the base of a ruck midway through the half produced a ruck inside the opposing 22, where the defenders were penalised. Dan Retter’s penalty attempt rebounded from an upright.
The Chiefs continued to enjoy the better of territory and possession during the second quarter but could only produce one move of note when slick handling sent James Powell on a run but he was well tackled by the full back just short of the line.
Sidmouth had the Lydney pack under pressure in the scrums but had problems in the lineouts. The introduction of James Salter as a second jumper solved the problem.
A few minutes into the second half, Rabbie Hansford made a strong break into the Lydney 22. When he was stopped, the ball was progressed to the line, where the Chiefs were awarded a penalty under the posts. They chose not to take the three points on offer and opted for the tap penalty. A knock on enabled Lydney to clear the danger.
The visitors enjoyed their best period of play during the next ten minutes. A good handling move might have produced a try but for a forward pass and a well-executed move around the back of a lineout took play to the Sidmouth line, but good defence led to a turnover and a long clearance kick downfield.
The Chiefs took control for much of the final quarter. Constant pressure on the Lydney line resulted in a series of penalties and a yellow card for a Lydney forward. The Sidmouth forwards crossed the goal line four time but could not produce a clear touch down.
A rare breakout resulted in a penalty to Lydney just inside the Sidmouth half. The kick drifted just wide of the Sidmouth posts.
With three minutes to go, Phil Dolman produced his second significant break to start a handling move, which ended when George Locke was tackled into touch a metre from the line.
On Saturday the Chiefs travel to Newent in Gloucestershire.
On the Blackmore Field the Colts entertain Ivybridge kicking off at 3.00pm.
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