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Latest Match Reports

Chiefs secure fifth place in dramatic finish against St Ives (19/04/09)

SIDMOUTH 1st XV 21pts v ST IVES 1st XV 20pts

The chiefs secured a fifth place finish in the South West 2 West League thanks to a converted try in injury time. With ten minutes of normal time to go the visitors seemed to be grinding their way to a narrow victory thanks to their better ball retention which gave them an edge in the battle for territory. Then suddenly the game burst into life when the Chiefs scored a scintillating try against the run of play. The spectators were treated to a dramatic finish as the lead changed hands three times in the closing stages.

A good springtime crowd saw the Chiefs make a promising start. Simeon Lewry was given an early feel of the ball and made a strong run up the left wing to take play into the St Ives 22. The pressure produced a penalty which Dan Retter converted to open the scoring.

The visitors shook off the journey as their forwards got driving to take play into the Sidmouth 22. When the ball was released to their backs the inside centre showed pace and power to score near the posts. The fly half added the conversion.

The St Ives fly half and inside centre continued to pose problems for the Sidmouth defence. A break by the former set up a move which almost brought a second try with desperate cover defence bringing it to an end a couple of metres short of the line. Unfortunately for the visitors the influential number 10 was injured in the play and had to leave the field forcing a reorganisation of the backline.

While they were coming to terms with the changes the Chiefs took advantage to reduce the arrears. A quick tap penalty by Steve Trim set up flanker Sam Richardson on a storming run into the 22. When he was stopped St Ives were penalised at the resulting ruck and Dan Retter kicked a second penalty.

The Chiefs dominated the closing stages of the half and were unlucky not to regain the lead. Andy Matchett went close after some good handling then Retter crossed the line after Ben Damen had made the running but was unable to ground the ball. The halftime whistle came minutes later, with the Chiefs pressing in the St Ives 22.

The Chiefs kicked off for the second half and did well to regain possession. The forwards executed a few pick and drives before releasing the ball for Dan Retter to put his side in front with a drop goal.

The visitors upped their game and regained the initiative, keeping the Chiefs pinned inside their own half. The St Ives pack were driving well and the inside centre was a constant threat to the home defence. He took over the kicking duties and put over two penalties to give his side a four point lead going into the final quarter.

At this stage St Ives looked well in control. They were retaining possession well and the Chiefs were loosing the ball too easily in contact whenever they got their hands on it. So it was very much against the run of play that the Chiefs produced a moment of magic to put themselves back in front. Max Hansford had just come on as a replacement when Nathan Hannay and Steve Trim combined on the blindside of a scrum to give him a run down the left wing. He cut inside as the cover overcame him and set up a ruck. The ball was quickly recycled and moved along the line to the right. After another ruck the ball was switched back to the left. This time there was an overlap and Hansford was back on his feet to take the final pass and dive over in the corner. The try was unconverted but the Chiefs had their noses in front.

This seemed to be only a momentary triumph as the visitors came back strongly. The Chiefs fumbled the restart kick. They first gave possession away and then a penalty. St Ives kicked for position and an attacking lineout. They used this to set up a series of drives which took them to the line where the number eight forced his way over near the posts. The conversion meant that Sidmouth needed a converted try as the game went into injury time.

Following the restart St Ives kicked for position but Jamie Wardrop fielded the ball and returned it with interest for a lineout in the opposing 22. St Ives secured the throw and were content to keep the ball tight and drive forward running down the clock. Somehow the Sidmouth pack turned over possession and moved the ball to the backs. A couple of long passes gave a hint of an overlap as Jamie Wardrop came up to make the extra man. He just managed to squeeze in at the corner to set up a match deciding conversion attempt.

Dan Retter has been here before and once again he kept a cool head to bisect the uprights despite every effort of one members of the opposition to distract him.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 248)

Chiefs big win over Easter tourists and Over 35s beat 3rds (12/04/09)

SIDMOUTH 3rd XV 12 v SIDMOUTH OVER 35s XV 43

The holiday crowd at the Blackmore for the annual Good Friday match between the 3rd Team and the Over 35s was treated to an entertaining, if ultimately one sided, game of rugby. The rain clouds retreated in time for the kick leaving ideal conditions for an open game.

The 3rd Team competed well with a very strong Over 35s team in the first half and with better finishing might well have been on level terms at the break.

The 3rds started strongly and it was against the run of play when Rob Marchant burst away from a maul to set up a try by Paul Burrow which Andy Burrough converted.

David Hargrave produced an excellent cover tackle to prevent the Over 35s going further ahead. He then played a part in a superb handling move which ended with Adam Squance scoring an unconverted try in the left corner.

The Over 35s finished the half strongly and two tries from Martin Ford opened up a comfortable lead. The first came when the scrum half took a quick tap penalty near the line and the second from a break on the blindside of a scrum. Both were converted by Burrough to make the halftime score 21-5.

A number of substitutions provided the veterans with fresh legs to neutralise the 3rd Team’s advantage of youth in the second half. A second try for Paul Burrow as he forced his way over from a ruck on the line was converted by Burrough. This was quickly followed by a Rob Marchant try from a tap penalty and another from Steve Channing at the end of a fine handling move involving backs and forwards. Neither try was converted.

The 3rds got some consolation when Adam Squance intercepted a loose pass and raced 60 metres to score under the posts. He added the conversion himself.

The game finished with another excellent handling move finished off by Geoff Farrant.


SIDMOUTH 1st XV 60pts v OLD BRODLIEANS 1st XV 12pts

With the counterattraction of skipper Steve Trim’s wedding a much changed Chiefs team took the field against Yorkshire tourists Old Brodleians. But with players of the calibre of Devon Under 20s Phil Spenser and Hamish Martin, home from university, to fill the gaps a strong combination took the field. However it took time for the much-changed side to gel and Old Brodleians had much the better of the early stages.

The first 25 minutes were played almost entirely in the Sidmouth half but the standard rarely rose above mediocre. Poor kicking allowed the visitors to keep the pressure on but they in turn could not penetrate the Sidmouth defence.
Eventually they were rewarded for their territorial superiority and the game suddenly burst into life. A good handling move gave the right winger a run before he kicked back infield where the fly half followed up to gather the loose ball and score near the posts. He converted his own try.

The Chiefs woke up and responded with an excellent try. Sam Cummins, making a fine debut, fielded a kick in his own half and started a counterattack which ended with Andy Matchett sending Ben Damen in at the right corner. Damen added the conversion from the touchline. Cummins scored himself a few minutes later when he received a quick lineout throw in his own half. He started a handling move and was in support to take the scoring pass. Damen again converted from the right touchline.

Straight from the kick off the Chiefs forwards secured the ball and set up a ruck. The ball was quickly recycled and Andy Matchett broke a tackle in his own 22 before setting off on a solo run to score a spectacular individual try. The conversion rebounded from an upright leaving the halftime score at 19-7.

The visitors started the second half in dramatic fashion with a counterattack covering 70 metres ending in a try by the outside centre. But 2 minutes later the Chiefs restored their 12 point lead when Andy Matchett scored his second try with a powerful run after Old Brodleians had missed touch with an attempted clearance from a penalty. This was followed by a try from Tristan Beavis in support of a Ben Damen break straight from the restart kick. Damen converted.

The Yorkshiremen put up some stern resistance for the next 15 minutes but the Chiefs finished the game strongly, running in five tries in the closing quarter hour. Aaron Spence, guesting from Honiton, finished off after another Damen break. Then , when Phil Spenser stole an Old Brodleian lineout throw, Tristan Beavis made a break for Josh Bess to finish off. Bess also scored the next after Phil Spenser had made the running. Andy Matchett completed his hat trick following up a Damen chip and chase. And Simeon Lewry completed the scoring with a 70 metre run following an interception. Damen converted two of the five.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 247)

Colts Step up to the Mark (06/04/09)

BIDEFORD 17 SIDMOUTH 29

This was always set to be a physical game and it certainly didn’t disappoint the watching onlookers. Bideford started the match well going ahead in the first four minutes, with a second 5 minutes later. Both tries were due to a strong, well coordinated pack who used their driving skills to dominate the start. At 10 nil down Sidmouth were woken up and winger Robbie Ross used his pace to put the first score in place to Sidmouth. Captain Matt Farrington certainly rallied his troops as the communication improved as did the movement and possession of the ball. Scrum half, Luke De Klerk making a welcome return from injury added to the score to even things up. A quickly taken penalty and some excellent handling saw Stuart Bickerstaff go over to put Sidmouth ahead which was converted by Liam Kubaczka.
Now ahead, Bideford pounced and a handling error gave Bideford the ball and their fly half ran the length of the pitch to score under the posts having passed 4 players who failed to get their tackles in. So at half time it was 17 each and game on!

Ross Collins was the Sidmouth hero scoring both tries in the corners following some fabulous strong work in the scrums and mauls by the Sidmouth pack. One of these was converted by Kubaczka. Ryan Davies, Ollie Derryman and Rob Jackson put in tremendous effort keeping good possession. Unfortunately Collins and De Klerk had to be replaced and the formation of the team had to be radically altered. Man of the match Liam Kubaczka went in as scrum half having played 3 positions during the game. Sidmouth were a weakened side due to so many injuries but they proved to themselves that with clear communication, determination and hard work they can step up to the mark when it matters.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 246)

Chiefs move to fifth with win over St Mary's Old Boys (05/04/09)

ST MARY’S OLD BOYS 1ST XV 29pts v SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 34pts

The Chiefs recovered from a poor start to complete the double over St Mary’s Old Boys despite a five to four try count against them and their failure to use the advantage of the stiff breeze at their backs in the second half.

The Bristol-based Old Boys should have dispelled any complacency in the second minute when they turned over possession at a lineout in their own 22 and set up a move which went to within 10 metres of the Sidmouth line before a fine cover tackle by Andy Matchett brought it to an end.

Having gained an attacking position St Mary’s kept the Chiefs pinned in their half and twice exposed a fragile midfield defence to open up a 14 point lead by the quarter hour mark. Both times the inside centre made the break to create tries for first the full back and then his fellow centre. Both were converted from wide positions.

The Chiefs got the wake up call and hit back almost immediately. Nathan Hannay broke from a scrum just inside the Old Boys half and linked with Steve Trim. He ran wide before exercising a scissors move with Andy Matchett. The wingman put in a typical powerful run which was only stopped a few metres short of the line. The ball was quickly recycled from the resulting ruck and with a big overlap on the left Tristan Beavis finished the move off. Dan Retter added the conversion.

Using the wind well St Mary’s went back on the attack but the Chiefs broke out when Retter made a break from his own 22 supported by Beavis who kicked ahead as the cover closed in. The defence managed to scramble back but concede a penalty which was quickly taken by Steve Trim. He was supported by Sam Richardson whose run took him to the line but he was held up. The forwards retained possession through a couple more phases before Nathan Hannay peeled off a maul to force his way over for a try which Retter converted to level the scores.

Two minutes later Sidmouth took the lead following a fine move by the backs which set up another Matchett run down the right wing. Again he was eventually brought down short of the line but when the ball was recycled Ben Damen crossed under the posts. Dan Retter’s miss hit conversion just scraped over the bar.

The Chiefs were soon back on the attack again and were threatening to increase their lead when a loose pass was intercepted by the St Mary’s outside centre. A superb tackle by Steve Trim brought his 70 metres run to an end but the left winger was in support to pick up the loose ball and score an unconverted try.

A Dan Retter drop goal in injury time gave the Chiefs a 24-19 half time lead.

The Chiefs failure to use the wind effectively after the restart, and the Old Boys inability to make much progress against it, reduced the third quarter to a midfield stalemate.

St Mary’s seemed to tire and Sidmouth at last began to make progress. When the home side were penalised close to their own line the kick at goal was declined in favour of a scrum. The decision seemed about to pay off as the scrum progressed towards the line but Nathan Hannay lost possession as he attempted to dive over. The St Mary’s scrum was again in disarray on their own put in but somehow managed to scramble the ball away.

When the Chiefs were awarded another penalty a minute later they opted for the kick and Dan Retter opened up a two score lead. However the Old Boys were not going to give up easily and a kick and chase was only ended when Simeon Lewry covered across to bundle the ball into touch a few metres short of the line.

Lineout mauls are supposed to be a thing of the past under the experimental new laws but the Old Boys managed to execute one perfectly to take the ball to the line where the number 8 picked up and dived over reducing the deficit to just three points.

The Chiefs showed that they can maul effectively as well when they hit back almost immediately. The pack drove forward from a lineout on the opposing 22 sucking in the St Mary’s back row. When the ball was released to the back Simeon Lewry came across from the wing to receive an inside pass and take advantage of the absent cover to score under the posts. Retter added the conversion.

The ten point cushion proved to be necessary when the Old Boys scored a try from another lineout maul and the closing few minutes were played out in nervous fashion before the final whistle confirmed the win which takes the Chiefs into fifth place with one game to go.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 245)

Chiefs late surge rbings victory against Torquay (29/03/09)

SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 31pts v TORQUAY ATHLETIC 1ST XV 17pts

The Chiefs superior fitness and fighting spirit earned them a first win against Torquay for 25 years. In a good team performance, Dan Retter proved to be an ideal impact player as he came on at halftime to score 18 points.

Playing down the slight slope with the breeze at their backs, Torquay weathered an early Chiefs assault before using the elements to pin Sidmouth back into their 22. The pressure brought a penalty which the full back converted to open the scoring.

From the restart the Chiefs regained possession and good driving play earned them a penalty in front of the posts. Ben Damen levelled the scores. However, with their half backs kicking for position Torquay were soon back on the attack and dominating territory. The Chiefs were defending well and can consider themselves a touch unlucky to concede a try at the 20 minute mark. The visitors were awarded a penalty close to the line and the number 8 took a quick tap and dived over. However he was clearly less than the required 5 metres out when he took the kick and should have been recalled. The full back added the conversion.

The Chiefs can fault nobody but themselves for the second ‘Tics try. A throw to the back of a lineout always has an element of risk attached and is not advisable inside a teams own 22; but that is what they did on the half hour. The ball was lost and Torquay had quick ball in an attacking position with the Sidmouth back row out of the game. A missed tackle in the centre led to a try by the left winger. The conversion opened up a 14 point lead.

The Chiefs response was positive and their domination the closing stages of the half gained them a vital try and what a good one it was. A move from the base of a scrum just outside the Torquay 22 put Steve Trim into space down the blindisde. When he was tackled 10 metres from the line the ball was quickly recycled and switched to the left. A long cut out pass by Ben Damen found Jamie Wardrop in space and his well timed pass gave Simeon Lewry a clear run to the corner. The try was unconverted.

A brilliant move from the restart almost produced an immediate second try. Andy Matchett, Ollie Derryman and Nathan Hannay combined in a move covering 70 metres before Derryman was brought down a few metres short of the line. The ball was knocked forward in the tackle and Torquay were able to clear to the danger from the resulting scrum leaving the halftime score at 8-17.

A good move by the Torquay backs gave them an attacking position early in the second half. When Liam O,Connor was yellow carded at a ruck near their line the Chiefs had to defend two consecutive scrums with a man short. They did so superbly with the scrum holding steady and the tackling secure. Eventually Torquay were penalised and the ball cleared up field.

The numbers were evened up when the visitors had a forward sent to the sin bin. Dan Retter missed the resulting penalty attempt but made no mistake with another two minutes later. He was on target again after he had been obstructed from chasing his own kick ahead. The perpetrator became the third player to be shown a yellow card.

The Chiefs had an opportunity to use the extra man to advantage when good continuity through several phases created an overlap on the right but a knock on preserved the visitors lead.

As the game moved into the last 10 minutes the Chiefs better fitness began to tell as they camped in the opposing 22. Torquay seemed to have weathered the storm as they broke out to halfway. However the ball was turned over at a ruck and a powerful run from the impressive Ollie Derryman put the ’Tic under pressure again. Three rucks later Dan Retter dummied his way through the thinning defence and outpaced the cover to score under the posts. His conversion opened up a four point lead. This was increased to seven when he dropped a goal at the next attack.

Torquay were now playing catch up and when they dropped the ball attempting to run out of their own 22 Ben Damen gathered up the loose ball and slipped it to Tim Phipps who galloped over for an injury time try which Retter converted to take his side over the 30 point mark.

The win puts the Chiefs into sixth position and in sight of a top half finish in their first season of South West league rugby.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 244)

Chiefs rue squandered chances at Paignton (15/03/09)

PAIGNTON 1ST XV 20pts v SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 9pts

Paignton completed the treble over Sidmouth in a game which had end-of-season written all over it. But, although the score line would indicate a comfortable win for the Cherries, this really was a game the Chiefs could and should have won. While Paignton took the one try scoring chance presented to them, the Chiefs squandered several opportunities, twice when it would almost have been easier to score than not.

Ben Damen kicked off for the Chiefs in perfect conditions and his side created two chances in the opening 5 minutes. A move initiated by a Steve Trim break from a scrum on halfway ended a few metres short, then a powerful run by Andy Matchett was only halted 5 metres from the try line. However the pressure was rewarded when Damen kicked a penalty for offside.

The Paignton fly half equalised 2 minutes later following a similar offence in the Sidmouth 22. Then the Chiefs regained the initiative when Steve Trim took his side back into the opposing 22 with a typical quick tap and go. When he was eventually tackled Paignton were penalised at the ruck and Damen kicked his side in front once again.

The Chiefs continued to dominate the first quarter and good work by the backs created space for Simeon Lewry down the left wing. He left three defenders in his wake before the cover brought him down a few metres short. He was unfortunate to be penalised for not releasing which allowed hard pressed Paignton to relieve the pressure.

The home side came more into the game and had the better of the second quarter as the Chiefs had problems in the lineouts, where they lost four in a row on their own throw, and conceded too many turnovers. Two penalties in 5 minutes gave Paignton the lead before their fly half, and goal kicker, was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on.

Despite the extra man Sidmouth could not regain control as their error count mounted until they conceded what was to prove to be the only, and decisive, try of the game. The forwards went into contact on their 22 but a Paignton forward emerged from the maul with the ball. His run was halted just short of the line but he was able to offload to a supporting prop forward who forced his way over. The try was unconverted.

The Chiefs finished the half strongly. A clean break through the centre by Giles Dixon might have produced more had he found his support. Then they won two 5 metre scrums in injury time but failed to convert either of them into points leaving the halftime score at 6-14.

Skipper Steve Trim started the second half, as he had the first, with a break to initiate a dangerous move but a dropped pass brought it to an end. A break by Tristan Beavis was promising but again the move fizzled out. However the pressure was rewarded with a third Ben Damen penalty.

The Chiefs were well on top in the middle of the half when Paignton lost their hooker to the sin bin for persistent infringements. It was at this point that the game was really won and lost when two golden opportunities were wasted. Both involved Ben Damen whose intelligent probing had caused indecision in the defence all game. In the 25th minute he dummied his way through the first line of defence following a ruck on the Paignton 22. A pass to Andy Matchett would have put the winger one-on-one with the full back. Instead he carried on running into the wingman’s space and forcing him inside. His eventual pass failed to find a target.

A few minutes later the fly half cut a superb angle to take a short pass from Steve Trim 15 metres from the line. This time he timed his pass perfectly only to see the ball spilled with the line wide open.

This seemed to knock the stuffing out of them and once Paignton were restored to full strength they had the better of the closing stages kicking two penalties in injury time to produce a winning margin which was somewhat flattering.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 243)

Lack of discipline costs Chiefs dear against Avonmouth OB (08/03/09)

SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 11pts v AVONMOUTH OLD BOYS 1ST XV 22pts

After 35 minutes the Chiefs were firmly in control of this game against promotion hopefuls Avonmouth Old Boys. The visitors were under intense pressure and had almost conceded a second try when Steve Trim, in an uncharacteristic moment of red mist, was yellow carded for foul play. From then on the Chiefs could do nothing right in the eyes of the referee and in the next 15 minutes two more players followed their captain into the sin bin. This was despite a clear warning from the official of the consequences if they did not lower their penalty count.

In the 30 minutes that the Chiefs were one or two men short Avonmouth helped themselves to 22 points and the game.

Kicking off towards the All Saints Road end the Chiefs asserted themselves from the start with the forwards driving as an eight and the whole team harrying their opponents into mistakes. They had the Old Boys under pressure in the scrums and some well placed kicks kept the visitors pinned in their own half.

Sidmouth deservedly took the lead after 10 minutes. A sniping run down the blindside of a scrum on halfway by Steve Trim was supported by Giles Dixon who took play deep into the Avonmouth 22. When they won a ruck Dan Retter’s diagonal kick was followed up by Ashley Cooper on the left wing who gathered the bouncing ball and dived over for an unconverted try.

Retter was in action again 2 minutes later when he intercepted a loose pass in his own half and his kick ahead caused panic in the defence. They managed to clear the danger but the chiefs were on the attack again.

A powerful run by Stuart Bickerstaff had the defence under pressure and they conceded a penalty at the ruck when the young flanker was eventually brought down. Dan Retter kicked the goal and added another a few minutes later when a defender strayed offside.

With the Chiefs rampant a fine handling move put the ball in the hands of Ashley Cooper. He was stopped a metre short of the line. Supporting players pushed him over but he was held up. With his side assured of at least a five metre scrum Steve Trim committed his indiscretion. He left the field for 10 minutes and Avonmouth were able the relieve the pressure.

Sidmouth were penalised twice more in quick succession, both decisions which might have gone the other way, and the visitors kicked their way into an attacking position. Another penalty allowed the Avonmouth winger to open the scoring for his side making the halftime score 11-3.

Despite the referee’s warning the Chiefs committed three more penalty offences in the opening four minutes of the second half. Two were successfully converted into points and the third resulted in Ben Damen being shown the yellow card.

With Chiefs down to thirteen men Avonmouth kicked for the corner and exploited their advantage by executing a planned move at the resulting lineout to take the lead with a try touched down by the number 6. The conversion was unsuccessful.

A second try followed a few minutes later when the left winger came from the blindside following a lineout to join the line between the centres. He cut clean through and outpaced the cover. His own conversion attempt drifted wide.

A minute later Nathan Hannay became the third player sent to the sin bin following some of over vigorous rucking. While he was off the Avonmouth wingman kicked his third penalty.

Restored to fifteen men the Chiefs became a threatening force again but Avonmouth were determined to hang on to their lead and their defence held firm. The visitors played the final fifteen minutes one short as first a flanker and then the hooker were yellow carded but they were not going to release their grip on the game despite continued pressure from the Chiefs.

A high penalty count has been a recurring theme this season. It is a problem which will need to be dealt with if the Chiefs are to compete for a place in the top half of this league, something which they have shown themselves to be capable of in most games.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 242)

Chiefs complete double over Clevedon in nailbitting finish (22/02/09)

SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 19pts v CLEVEDON 1ST XV 18pts

The Chiefs will look back on three try saving tackles which enabled them to complete the double over bottom of the table Clevedon despite being second best for much of the second half. In the end a Dan Retter penalty in injury time was the decisive score in an entertaining game which maintained the tension right up to the final whistle.

This was a much different, and much better, Clevedon side than was faced earlier in the season when the Chiefs gained their first league win. The Somerset side dominated the scrums as the game progressed, kicked more effectively and exploited the space well when the Sidmouth defence was stretched.

The Chiefs started brightly having kicked off in perfect conditions. Within two minutes they had earned a lineout 5 metres from the Clevedon line. However they failed to control the ball and the concession of a couple of penalties put the visitors on the attack.

The departure of Nathan Hannay with a knee injury in the tenth minute was a serious blow to an already injury depleted team. He was replaced by Stuart Bickerstaff who was making his league debut.

A few minutes later Clevedon took the lead with a penalty kicked by the full back. They were soon back on the attack and the Chiefs did well to defend a 5 metre lineout.

The Chiefs had their best spell in the second quarter when they kept Clevedon pinned in their own half for long spells. When Jamie Wardrop followed up his own kick to regain possession of the ball he had Will Finch in support but a Clevedon hand deflected his pass. However the ball was retrieved and pressure maintained in the visitors 22. A Ben Damen half break created some space and good handling put Finch in for an unconverted try.

A break by Rhys Thomas on the blindside of a ruck near halfway was supported by Ashley Cooper. The wingman made ground deep into the 22 before being overwhelmed by the cover defence. However Clevedon were penalised at the resulting ruck and Dan Retter increased the lead with a penalty.

A turnover on halfway gave Clevedon a chance to counterattack with space on the left. The winger was put clear but Ashley Cooper appeared from the opposite wing to tackle him into touch a few metres out.

As the half drew to a close a good handling move took Sidmouth back into the Clevedon 22 where Dan Retter attempted a drop goal which drifted just wide of the uprights to leave the halftime score at 8-3.

After ten minutes of stalemate in the second half another turnover gave the Clevedon left winger another scoring chance but once again a Cooper cover tackle frustrated the attempt. A powerful run by Stuart Bickerstaff from the back of a lineout gave his side a brief respite but the visitors were soon back on the attack. The outside centre broke the defence with a good angled run to the posts but fly half Ben Damen brought him down a couple of metres short of the line. However Clevedon were rewarded with a penalty to close the gap to two points.

This was cancelled out on the hour by a 40 metres effort from Retter who also had a hand in Sidmouth’s second try. Following a turnover on halfway his well judged diagonal kick was followed up by Ashley Cooper who gathered up the bouncing ball to score in the corner. The try was unconverted.

These productive few minutes were against the run of play as Clevedon, thanks to an increasingly dominant scrum, were winning a greater share of possession. Their attempt to drive over from a 5 metres lineout was held up but they pushed over the resulting scrum for the scrum half to score an unconverted try. They were soon back on the attack and a period of concerted pressure stretched the Sidmouth defence enough for the full back to exploit a gap and score to the left of the posts. He converted his own try to put his side in the lead.

From the restart kick the Chiefs pressurised Clevedon into conceding a penalty only to see the kick drift wide. Then, as the game went into injury time, they somehow fought their way back into the opposing 22 where they were awarded another penalty wide out on the left. This time Retter made no mistake to put his side one point ahead.

Somehow the referee found another seven minutes of injury time most of which was spent in the Sidmouth 22. Somehow they survived a 5 metre scrum and several forward drives before they forced a turnover and Jamie Wardrops touch finder signalled the final whistle.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 241)

Colts Lacklutre but prove victorious (17/02/09)

Sidmouth Colts 14 Honiton Colts 5

Both sides have suffered from a lack of matches in recent weeks and in Sidmouth’s case a lack of numbers at training! That was the verdict at half time from coach, Bo Vanstone, following a lacklustre first half. Honiton started the game with fortitude and a performance that was both strong and solid. Their ball handling and communication was admirable and they defended well and were positive in attack. They played simple and effective rugby, maintaining good spells of possession and were supporting the ball carrier in numbers. It was, therefore, no surprise to see Honiton go ahead as Sidmouth were attempting unsuccessful, spontaneous moves and not concentrating on the basics. However, Sidmouth did manage to score a converted try (against this run of play) just before half time thanks to Richard ‘Noddy’ Hodges and Will Dunford.

Following the half time talk Sidmouth switched on. The pack crystallized and followed the ball carrier and consequently had greater possession. The front row, Sam ‘Buka’ Sowden, Finlay Cawthero and Captain Matt Farrington in particular having an excellent second half. The backs moved the ball quicker placing the Honiton defence under greater pressure and a rugby match finally ensued. Unfortunately kicker and fly half Will Dunford pulled up with a hamstring injury but Tom Hodge competently stepped up to the mark. With the Honiton scrum now under pressure, Ollie Derryman (No 8) linked with centre Will Gater working the blind side to come out on top with a try under the posts which Hodge ably converted. Sidmouth had more chances to go further ahead and winger Ben Salter was unlucky not to score on two occasions. Honiton never lost their belief and determination and thought they had scored a second try, only to be judged that the ball had been held up.

In summing up, this was a good game of rugby between two local sides that never like to come second. Sidmouth, in my opinion, were fortunate to come out on top and have performed so much better this season – the second half was a testament to this. They need to apply what they practice in training to the matches and communicate more in the game and maintain their discipline – however they also need to turn up for training for this to occur! It would also help if they trained on grass rather than a carpark!

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 240)

Chiefs run Taunton close in the mud (01/02/09)

SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 13pts v TAUNTON 1ST XV 21pts

League leaders Taunton were both happy and relieved to leave the Blackmore with two points after this encounter in which the Chiefs matched them in all departments and pushed them hard right up to the end.

Both teams defied a heavy surface and biting cross wind to produce a fine display of rugby despite the best efforts of a whistle happy referee to spoil it for all. Both sides suffered from a lack of empathy and disregard for the advantage law by the official. The players did well to keep their focus throughout.

Taunton had the better of the first half playing down the slope. In the first few scrums it looked as if the Chiefs were going to be in for a tough afternoon but as the game progressed the front row warmed to the task and held their own. The visitors had the edge territorially thanks to some fine tactical kicking by their half backs. They varied their target well and the Sidmouth back three were severely tested. Jamie Wardrop in particular was as rock like as usual in dealing with the problems posed, and was well supported by his wingers, but they frequently had to concede ground and were given precious few opportunities to counterattack.

With penalties as plentiful as confetti at a wedding both kickers had opportunities but found the combination of mud and wind very testing of their skill. However the Taunton centre managed to convert two in the first half hour to edge his side in front.

Sidmouth had their moments, most inspired by the strong running of Nathan Hannay with fellow backrow men Nick Mills and Rhys Thomas in support. However the best opportunity came from a tap penalty by the ever alert Steve Trim. Tristan Beavis carried the move on into the 22 where the ball went loose and was hacked on. The full back had to fall on the rolling ball close to his line and was penalised for holding on. With all options open to them the Chiefs decided to go for the kick at goal but the attempt drifted wide.

Taunton increased their lead just before half time from a scrum just inside the Sidmouth 22. A backrow move did not make much progress but sucked in enough defenders to create some space on the blindside when the ball was recycled. Good handling gave the outside centre enough space to score in the corner. The try was unconverted leaving the score at 0-11 at half time.

Kicking off down the slope the Chiefs started the second half in good style. Another strong run by Nathan Hannay sparked a promising move which almost produced a try. When he was eventually stopped the ball was quickly recycled and moved along the back line. Jamie Wardrop made the extra man and sent Ashley Cooper sprinting down the left wing. He left a couple of defenders in his wake but was eventually brought down a few metres short of the line. With the pressure maintained Taunton conceded a penalty and Dan Retter opened his side’s account with a successful kick.
The introduction from the replacements bench of the strong running Andy Matchett and Jack Pyne added some bite to the Chiefs game and they continued to dominate in the third quarter. It was Pyne who was on hand, when Steve Trim took another quick tap penalty, to finish the move off with a try in the right corner. The conversion was unsuccessful but the margin was now only three points and Taunton were looking decidedly nervous.

It was against the run of play, and thanks to a couple of debatable penalties, that the visitors first increased their lead and then made the game safe. The first was taken quickly and moved wide to an overlap on the right where the winger squeezed in at the corner. The second was kicked to the left corner for a lineout from which they set up a maul. The drive was held but the hooker peeled off on the unmarked blindside to dive over. Neither try was converted.

The Chiefs were not finished yet and a good passage of play earned them a scrum just inside the Taunton 22. Number eight Hannay slipped the ball from the base to Steve Trim who broke down the blindside and drew the full back before timing his pass perfectly to send Ashley Cooper clear for an unconverted try. Taunton were glad to hear the final whistle a few minutes later.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 239)

Exeter Chiefs' Colts take control to sink Sidmouth Colts (27/01/09)

A good crowd greeted the Exeter chiefs’ colts side to the Blackmore and observed a good game of rugby. Sidmouth’s winger Tom Ross started the scoring off in the first few minutes with a diving try into the corner following a quick ball from fly half Will Dunford. Exeter, however, weren’t going to be caught napping again! They came back with some unrelenting pressure which Sidmouth held off for quite a while but in the end Exeter broke through the gaps to score. From the restart Sidmouth were opened up in their defence and with tackles being missed it wasn’t long before Exeter sidestepped their way over for their second try. There third wasn’t long behind with a cheeky but cleverly worked grubber into the corner and now Sidmouth were beginning to struggle. Heads, however, did not drop and the team battled on. Stuart Bickerstaff had a blistering run through the field making good ground but the lack of support and the excellent Exeter defence ended this flurry.

Following half time Sidmouth came out with renewed determination and had a really good lengthy spell holding off Exeter and finding themselves in the oppositions twenty two. Exeter managed to fight back and twice went over the line only to find the ball held up by the one player who always finds his way to the bottom of any pile up – Bickerstaff! Ultimately the pressure was too much and Exeter scored a couple more. Coach Bo Vanstone in summing up stated, “This was in no way a disgrace. Exeter are a well drilled and physical side and serve as an aspiration to others”. Man of the match was awarded to Will Gater, who as number 15, sustained much of the pressure and whose tackling saved the score line being less than complimentary.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 238)

Seconds Dominant over Ivybridge (25/01/09)

SIDMOUTH SECOND XV RUGBY REPORT 17TH JANUARY 2008

SIDMOUTH 46 – IVYBRIDGE 0

A good all round performance with every team member playing their part gave a convincing win and the referee finishing ten minutes early to prevent a real rout and save Ivybridge real embarrassment.
Playing with the wind and with the threat of heavy rain Sidmouth kicked off and forced a scrum straight away. Number eight James Salter picked up and made 20 metres before offloading but the ball was dropped just short of the line preventing the touchdown. Within a couple of minutes centre John kitchen made a break through the defence and passed to fly half Ben Damen and then to Sam Cummins to touch down which was converted by Martin ford. From the restart the ball was taken straight back to the visitors half and continuous forward pressure from the front five of Ben Halford, Clancy Carpenter, Greg Howell, Tim Phipps and Bryn Thomas took the ball up to five metres when Phipps broke through to score, again Ford added the two points giving the home side a fourteen point lead. The pattern continued and in defending Ivybridge conceded a penalty on their own five metre line, another controlled scrum against the bigger visiting pack set up quick ball that was passed out the line and Giles Dixon put Cummins in the corner for a try which was un converted. The Sidmouth lineout was also working well and after stealing the opponents throw the back row of Neil Barrett, Keith Upham and Salter inter-passed and this set up Phipps for his second try. From the restart Sidmouth wearing the Maroon second strip to avoid a colour clash spent the next five minutes in their own half for the first time in the match but did not trouble the back three of Matt Gingell, Cummins and Nick Foley. Aggressive defensive tackling prevented Ivybridge even looking like scoring. Just before half time a Damen searching run broke through the defence and a good line of running from Dixon added his name to the score sheet. Ford added the conversion to make the half time score 31 – 0. With Liam O’Connor replacing Howell in the front row it seemed in Sidmouth’s minds the game was won and the second half started slowly. The first ten minutes were played in the centre of the pitch until the deadlock was broken with Dixon outpacing the defence and offloading to hooker Carpenter in unaccustomed position to touch down. The dominant forwards stuck to the task and worked the phases to gain territory allowing clean possession for Australian Ben Damen to cap his good performance with solo try and roll the score on to 41 points. In the mid point of the half Sidmouth’s superior fitness was starting to show and a Salter turnover on half way gave space for Ford to break through and after seeing the distance to the line was grateful also to see Foley in support who ran from the 10 metre line for the try. Just as the sid’s were again making progress towards the visitors line the referee called a halt in proceeding to spare Ivybridge what was certainly looking would be a heavy defeat.

Oliver Salter ( uploaded cd ) (Report ID No. 236)

Chiefs punished for poor start at Yatton (25/01/09)

YATTON 1ST XV 24pts v SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 17pts

Two soft tries conceded against the run of play in the first quarter left the Chiefs playing catch up against Yatton. Midway through the second half it looked like they might succeed but in the end the Somerset side’s superior ball retention enabled them to prevail.

On a pitch heavy with mud both sides produced an entertaining game in front of a good crowd. Despite playing against both breeze and slope the Chiefs started brightly with the forwards picking and driving to good effect keeping play in the Yatton half. However when they conceded a penalty in the sixth minute they were slow to react and a quickly taken tap initiated a move which ended 60 metres downfield with the right winger diving over for a try which was well converted by the fly half.

Sidmouth continued to enjoy territorial advantage and a fine run by Ashley Cooper opened up the defence but proved unproductive due to lack of support. A common feature of this season has been the Chiefs tendency to give away penalties and this game was no exception. A series of offences gave the initiative to the opposition. However when Yatton won a ruck on the Sidmouth 22 there seemed to be little threat of a score but when the inside centre slipped a tackle there was no cover and he was left with a clear path to the posts. The try was converted.

The discipline problems continued and another tap penalty followed by a kick ahead had the defence scrambling to concede a 5 metre scrum. They survived that threat but another penalty was converted into 3 points by the fly half.

Yatton were now dominating proceedings and, when a forward drive was held up over the Sidmouth line, the Chiefs were forced to defend a series of six 5 metres scrums. They did so successfully only to give away the softest of tries when a clearance kick failed to find touch. The full back fielded the ball and linked with the inside centre whose path to the line was even easier than for his first try. The entire Sidmouth team seemed to stop and watch. The conversion made the halftime score 24-0.

The Chiefs started the second half with a sense of urgency and in the second minute an Andy Matchett run was only stopped a metre short of the line where a defender was penalised. The Chiefs opted for a scrum. That did not produce an immediate score but the pressure was maintained until a half break by Dan Retter created an opening for Tristan Beavis to finish off. The try was converted by Dan Retter.

The Chiefs were soon back no the attack and when Yatton were penalised on their 22 Steve Trim took a quick tap and burst through a gap to score a try which was again converted by Retter. And when Retter kicked a penalty with 20 minutes still to go a great comeback was on the cards.

However Yatton had other ideas and when they worked their way into Sidmouth territory for the first time in the half they stayed there with an excellent display of driving and ball retention. The Chiefs did well to stop them from making the game safe with a defensive display which was a complete contrast to the first half. There were several last ditch tackles and Simeon Lewry just got to the ball first when his opposite number’s kick into space looked certain to bring a score.

After 15 minutes of pressure the Chiefs at last managed to break out and when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts they opted to kick for the corner and an attacking lineout. The punt drifted close over the corner flag and the touch judge signalled touch in goal. This gave Yatton a scrum back and a chance to clear up field which they did and played out the closing couple of minutes safely in the Sidmouth half.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 237)

Chiefs progress to Devon Senior Cup quarter final (20/01/09)

SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 29pts v CREDITON 1ST XV 8pts

The Chiefs progressed to the quarter finals of the Devon Senior Cup with a comfortable win over Crediton in a match played on Sunday.

A try within 2 minutes of the kick off hinted at a heavy defeat for a team which plays two leagues below Sidmouth. However a combination of a gutsy performance and a treacherous playing surface produced a respectable scoreline. A 30 minute break at halftime due to the arrival of the Air Ambulance also would not have helped concentration. The Crediton scrum posed more problems than Brixham the previous day and in defence they missed very few tackles.

The opportunity was taken to give debuts to Colts flanker Stuart Bickerstaff, whose powerful running was a feature, and Australian Ben Damen, who replaced Jamie Wardrop at full back in the second half. Also Tim Phipps made his first appearance of the season since suffering concussion in August.

From the kick off the Chiefs retained possession through several phases for a minute and a half until the Crediton defence had been dragged out of position and Dan Retter exploited a huge gap to score under the posts. He converted his own try.

A few minutes later hooker Ollie Derryman had to leave the field with a neck injury. However the Chiefs continued to dominate and when Steve Trim broke from the base of a scrum he found Andy Matchett in support. The wingman was stopped just short of the line but when the ball emerged from the resulting ruck Stuart Bickerstaff forced his way over in the corner despite the attentions of two defenders. The try was unconverted.

Not for the first time this season the Chiefs fell foul of the referee’s interpretation at the breakdown. A series of penalties eased the pressure on Crediton and allowed them to develop some momentum. A penalty kicked by the full back brought them into the game. A few minutes later it was against the run of play that Sidmouth scored their next try. A dropped ball by the Crediton backs was hacked on into the 22 and Harry Chesterton won the chase to dribble over and touch down for a try which was converted by Retter.

Crediton replied on the half hour with a similar effort when a kick ahead bounced in their favour and the full back won the chase to score an unconverted try in the left corner. With conditions under foot deteriorating rapidly the game became scrappy and the score remained 19-8 at halftime.

Derryman’s condition had not improved by this time so it was decided to send him to hospital as a precaution and the Air Ambulance provided the necessary transport with a resultant delay to the restart. I am pleased to report that the injury did not turn out to be serious and he was discharged after treatment.

With the conditions proving to be a good leveller the second half was a fairly even contest in which Sidmouth’s superior finishing power added two more tries.

The try of the match came in the twelfth minute from a movement which started inside the Sidmouth half. The ball was moved across the back line to Ashley Cooper who made ground down the left touchline to the Crediton 22 where the ball was switched to the right. It was transferred smoothly through six pairs of hands to Simeon Lewry on the right wing who dived over in the corner.

In the thirty fifth minute a long period of pressure ended with Andy Matchett strolling over unopposed in the left corner. Both tries were unconverted.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 234)

Colts impressive against league leaders (20/01/09)

Top of the table Barnstaple confirmed their dominance in this clash. However as the score line suggests this was not a walk in the park! Sidmouth opened the scoring with a penalty kick struck by Ollie Derryman 12 minutes into the game. Barnstaple fought back with a try which failed to be converted. Sidmouth have made many improvements - the line outs in particular, and hooker Finlay Cawthero was throwing cleanly ensuring we competed well and Sidmouth were stealing ball too. The forwards were strong in the scrums and quick to support the ball carrier – evidence that the training is paying off! Ross Mcgilchrist was unlucky to be substituted for injury and Derryman was binned allowing Barnstaple to take the opportunity to scored again just before half time to bring the score to 12 – 3.

The Sidmouth forwards applied pressure early in the second half with some good rucking and driving by Rob Jackson, Richard Hodges and Matt Farrington, and were rewarded with a try by Derryman. Sam Sowden showed his versatility playing prop and Sam Greenslade supplied the backs with quick and clean ball. The backs did not feature much in this game but tackled well and Barnstaple tried to breakdown the Sidmouth defence on many occasions during the rest of the game but found no way through proving that Sidmouth could rally and defend well under pressure. Dan Ledger earned the man of the match award for his tenacious tackling and driving and although this game was lost both captain Farrington and Coach Bo Vanstone agreed that this had been a great game with every player demonstrating commitment and team work.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 235)

Chiefs complete double over Brixham (18/01/09)

SIDMOUTH 1ST XV 20pts v BRIXHAM 1ST XV 9pts

The Chiefs eventually shook off the rustiness of three weeks of inactivity to complete the double over Brixham. They thoroughly deserved the victory as they had an edge over the Fishermen in all aspect except the kicking game. The win keeps them on course for a top half finish in their first season of South West league rugby.

A dominant performance by the pack in the set pieces laid the foundation as they had the Brixham eight under pressure in the scrums and stole some important lineout ball. Things were more even in the loose exchanges until the final quarter when Brixham began to tire under the constant pressure. The Sidmouth backs looked dangerous whenever they moved the ball wide but spent too much time trying to batter through the middle where the defence was concentrated.

Both sides took time to settle and the early highlights were narrow long range penalty misses for each kicker. In the tenth minute Sidmouth were reduced to fourteen men when Nat Palmer was yellow carded. However it was significant that Brixham were unable to make an impression with the extra man and when the second row rejoined the game Sidmouth almost opened the scoring. A strike against the head just inside the Brixham 22 gave Dan Trim the opportunity to break. He powered his way to within 5 metres of the line where he set up a ruck. The ball was quickly recycled and moved to the left where a better pass might have resulted in a try. As it was Ashley Cooper lost momentum reaching behind him and was tackled into touch a metre short.

Two promising runs down the right wing by Simeon Lewry kept the pressure on but the Chiefs could not maintain enough continuity to break down a well organised defence. Then a well placed diagonal kick forced the Chiefs to concede a lineout deep inside their 22. From the play that followed they were penalised and the full back gave his side the lead. Inspired by this Brixham finished the half strongly and were rewarded with a second penalty in injury time to give them a 6-0 half time lead.

The opening stages of the second half were full of incident when the game might have swung decisively in favour of the visitors. However, in the end, it was Sidmouth who opened their bid for victory.

The Chiefs had the early pressure but failed to convert a very kickable penalty. When Brixham broke out with a kick and chase the left winger touched down in the corner but was recalled for a forward pass. The Chiefs responded almost immediately by taking the lead. A Brixham grubber kick on half way went straight into the hands of Nathan Hannay. The big flanker drove forward to set up a ruck. The ball was recycled before the defence could organise and Harry Chesterton made a short break which drew the attention of three opponents to create space for Ashley Cooper. The wingman still had a bit to do but he stepped inside the full back and outpaced the cover to score under the posts. Tom Whelan added the conversion.

Good driving by the forwards and a break by Tristan Beavis set up Simeon Lewry for a run up the right wing to take play into the 22 where a Brixham player strayed offside and Dan Retter, who had just come on to replace Whelan, kicked the goal. The Brixham full back replied with a similar effort a few minutes later before a second Retter penalty restored the four point margin after another Beavis break had taken play into the 22.

The Chiefs were beginning to take control when Brixham were forced to play the last ten minutes a man short after their flanker was shown the yellow card. The game was made safe when the forwards went on the rampage with a series of pick and drives before Nat Palmer offloaded to Andy Matchett who had too much pace for the cover once he had broken the first line of defence. He touched down near the posts and Retter’s conversion left Brixham needing three scores but the Chiefs remained in control to the end.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 233)