Sat 2 Oct 2021
OLD PATESIANS 13 v SIDMOUTH 18
In a game between two evenly matched sides, Sidmouth’s outstanding defensive performance proved to be the deciding factor in their first win of the season on the road.
The Chiefs kicked off in damp overhead conditions and that, along with four clearance kicks was their only contribution for the next 20 minutes as they struggled to get their hands on the ball.
An early penalty to the home side enabled them to kick deep into the Sidmouth half. Another penalty resulted in a lineout near the line, which the Chiefs defended successfully. However, the Old Patesians pressure was rewarded after ten minutes with a penalty kicked by their fly half.
Further Sidmouth indiscipline enabled Old Patesians to keep play in the Sidmouth half, but they could not break down the determined and well-organised defence.
Midway through the half, the Chiefs eventually broke the siege and got the chance to show their own attacking credentials. The result was an excellent try. A turnover at a ruck on halfway gave the backs some room. Phil Dollman made the initial break before providing a well-timed pass to Cian Warren on the left wing. With 30 metres to go, he left the full back in his wake on his way to touch down in the corner. Cole Monaghan, who had an assured league debut at fly half, added the conversion.
Sidmouth seemed to have an oven-baked successor to Dan Retter when the young number ten kicked a penalty from the halfway line to give his side a 10-3 halftime lead.
As the rain abated, Sidmouth took control in the third quarter with Cole Monaghan kicking a second penalty and the forwards showing that they could also cross the whitewash.
After a period of pressure on the home goal line, Old Patesians were penalised, and the ball was kicked for touch into the corner. The catch-and-drive play was successfully driven over the line for Jed Reid to get the touchdown. The try was unconverted.
As they gained the upper hand in the scrums, winning three against the head, Old Patesians fought back hard in the closing stages. They battled their way to the Sidmouth line, where the inside centre ran a good line to crash over from close range. The try was converted.
A penalty with two minutes to go put them within a converted try of victory. Those two minutes turned into 20 as three Old Patesians in succession needed treatment for injuries. Despite intense pressure, the Chiefs held on for a win, which lifts them to a mid-table position.
On Saturday the Chiefs make the short journey across the Somerset border to take on old rivals Wellington.
At the Blackmore Field the Quins entertain reigning Merit Table champions Barnstaple 2nds kicking off at 3.00pm.
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