Sidmouth Rugby Club Chiefs start their league campaign on Saturday with a trip to North Petherton. Meanwhile, the Quins take on Torrington at the Blackmore Field kicking off at 3pm.
Preparations for the coming season were frustrated by the late cancellation of a warm-up match by Devizes. This left last week’s game against Exmouth as the only match preparation.
Compared with the two encounters with Exmouth last season, this was a great improvement and a source of optimism. The margin of victory does not reflect Sidmouth’s contribution to an entertaining game. Much of the play in the opening and final quarters took place in the Exmouth half.
The Sidmouth forwards more than held their own, particularly in the first half when player/coach Shaun Malton led way as he made ground whenever he had ball in hand. He was well supported by Josh Bess, who was also a force in the lineouts.
The Sidmouth backs lacked the cohesion displayed by the visitors in attack, and the narrow defensive line gave their opponents too much space on the flanks as exemplified by all five tries being scored by the wingmen.
Eventually, in the final minute, the Sidmouth backs matched the fluency of their opponents to score an outstanding try. Cian warren finished off a slick handling move.
Shaun Malton, who coached Sidmouth from 2016 to 2018, has returned to the area after spells playing for Bristol Bears and Ealing Trailfinders. He takes over the player/coach role from Phil Dollman, who intends to continue playing. Meanwhile, Glenn Channing joins the senior coaching team in a player development role.
Experienced prop Haydon Down takes over the captaincy.
Three new players have been registered. Jake Smith a fly half/centre from Honiton, Archie Cruze backrow from Exmouth and Exeter University student Liam Hiller, another forward.
Preparations for the coming season were frustrated by the late cancellation of a warm-up match by Devizes. This left last week’s game against Exmouth as the only match preparation.
Compared with the two encounters with Exmouth last season, this was a great improvement and a source of optimism. The margin of victory does not reflect Sidmouth’s contribution to an entertaining game. Much of the play in the opening and final quarters took place in the Exmouth half.
The Sidmouth forwards more than held their own, particularly in the first half when player/coach Shaun Malton led way as he made ground whenever he had ball in hand. He was well supported by Josh Bess, who was also a force in the lineouts.
The Sidmouth backs lacked the cohesion displayed by the visitors in attack, and the narrow defensive line gave their opponents too much space on the flanks as exemplified by all five tries being scored by the wingmen.
Eventually, in the final minute, the Sidmouth backs matched the fluency of their opponents to score an outstanding try. Cian warren finished off a slick handling move.
Shaun Malton, who coached Sidmouth from 2016 to 2018, has returned to the area after spells playing for Bristol Bears and Ealing Trailfinders. He takes over the player/coach role from Phil Dollman, who intends to continue playing. Meanwhile, Glenn Channing joins the senior coaching team in a player development role.
Experienced prop Haydon Down takes over the captaincy.
Three new players have been registered. Jake Smith a fly half/centre from Honiton, Archie Cruze backrow from Exmouth and Exeter University student Liam Hiller, another forward.
