Sat 10 Dec 2022
Sidmouth’s outstanding defence and ability to turn pressure into points, along with some Sherborne indiscipline, proved to be the difference between two otherwise evenly matched teams.
Both sides produced enterprising handling moves in the opening exchanges, but it was Sherborne which enjoyed territorial advantage during the first quarter. They deservedly took the lead with a penalty midway through the half.
The Chiefs responded almost immediately to take the lead. From a lineout on the 22, they progressed the ball to the line through a series of quick rucks for Cameron Grainger to dive over under the posts. Cole Monaghan added the conversion.
Sherborne soon found themselves in a similar position but were penalised for holding on in the tackle allowing the Chiefs to clear upfield.
A Phil Dollman diagonal kick found Sam Heathcote in space on the right. The wingman ran into the 22, where the home team were penalised. Cole Monaghan kicked the three points.
The Chiefs finished the half strongly. Haydon Down crossed the line following a scrappy lineout but Sidmouth were penalised.
In the final minute of the half, a Phil Dollman break set up a move, which was carried on by a powerful run into the 22 from Asa Unsworth. Dollman was in support to dart over for the try. Cole Monaghan converted.
With play moving from end to end after the restart, it was the Chiefs who extended their lead. Josh Bess latched on to a loose ball from a lineout just outside the Sherborne 22 and was not stopped until five metres short of the line. A series of rucks drew in the defence until Phil Dollman found a gap to score his second try, which was converted.
With ten minutes to go, the Chiefs found themselves defending desperately. They withstood two five-metre scrums and a series of rucks near their line before a turnover enabled them to clear the danger. A good handling move took them into the opposing 22 and they were able to play out the remaining time safely.
On Saturday the Chiefs entertain Teignmouth kicking off at 2.30pm.
On Sunday the Valkyries are at home against Okehampton with a 2.30pm kick off.
Both sides produced enterprising handling moves in the opening exchanges, but it was Sherborne which enjoyed territorial advantage during the first quarter. They deservedly took the lead with a penalty midway through the half.
The Chiefs responded almost immediately to take the lead. From a lineout on the 22, they progressed the ball to the line through a series of quick rucks for Cameron Grainger to dive over under the posts. Cole Monaghan added the conversion.
Sherborne soon found themselves in a similar position but were penalised for holding on in the tackle allowing the Chiefs to clear upfield.
A Phil Dollman diagonal kick found Sam Heathcote in space on the right. The wingman ran into the 22, where the home team were penalised. Cole Monaghan kicked the three points.
The Chiefs finished the half strongly. Haydon Down crossed the line following a scrappy lineout but Sidmouth were penalised.
In the final minute of the half, a Phil Dollman break set up a move, which was carried on by a powerful run into the 22 from Asa Unsworth. Dollman was in support to dart over for the try. Cole Monaghan converted.
With play moving from end to end after the restart, it was the Chiefs who extended their lead. Josh Bess latched on to a loose ball from a lineout just outside the Sherborne 22 and was not stopped until five metres short of the line. A series of rucks drew in the defence until Phil Dollman found a gap to score his second try, which was converted.
With ten minutes to go, the Chiefs found themselves defending desperately. They withstood two five-metre scrums and a series of rucks near their line before a turnover enabled them to clear the danger. A good handling move took them into the opposing 22 and they were able to play out the remaining time safely.
On Saturday the Chiefs entertain Teignmouth kicking off at 2.30pm.
On Sunday the Valkyries are at home against Okehampton with a 2.30pm kick off.
