Sat 12 Mar 2022
SIDMOUTH 42 v BRIDGWATER & ALBION 3
Sidmouth Chiefs played their best half of rugby of the season to set up their biggest win against Bridgwater. Although they remained in full control in the second half, unforced errors prevented a bigger margin of victory.
The success owed much to the hard work of the backrow of Rabbie Hansford, Harry Emmett and skipper Josh Bess whose strong running frequently got them over the gain line to put their side on the front foot. Rob Griffin and Haydon Down were also prominent with ball in hand.
For the third game running, the Chiefs had to contend with a strong diagonal wind. They dealt with it very well and Phil Dollman defied it to kick six conversions out of six.
The Chiefs opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a set move from a midfield scrum inside the opposing 22. This set up Tom Hodge to run a good angle and cut through to touch down near the posts.
In contrast, the second score, and best of the game, was improvisation at its best. With the Sidmouth scrum going backwards on halfway, Josh Bess scooped up the ball from the base and link with Phil Dollman. The fly half made a break to set up a handing move down the right. Tom Hodge’s offload on the 22 sent George Locke sprinting in under the posts.
Bridgwater cut the arrears with a penalty kicked by their fly half.
On the half hour, Phil Dollman scored his first try in the Sidmouth green jersey, though it did not feature any of the silky evasion seen in his Exeter Chiefs days. He picked up five metres out and drove over carrying two defenders with him.
In the closing minutes of the half, Bridgwater had their best period of the game, but aggressive Sidmouth defence forced a loose pass and James Powell latched on to the interception to sprint clear from his own 22. The conversion made the halftime score 28-3.
The Chiefs were soon on the attack after the restart and when they turned over possession at a ruck just inside the Bridgwater 22 Haydon Down broke through two tackles to score in the left corner.
This looked to be the start of a rout, but Bridgwater showed commendable spirit. Though they could not break down the Sidmouth defence when they got into attacking positions, they defended well. Assisted by some Chief’s unforced errors, only one more try was scored in the remaining 35 minutes.
Haydon Down scored a second try in support of a Phil Dollman break in injury time.
The Chiefs have another week off on Saturday.
The Quins travel to Paignton.
The Colts make a rare appearance on the Blackmore Field where they entertain Kingsbridge Colts kicking off at 3pm.
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