Latest Match Reports

Chiefs lose to well-organised Avonmouth OB (07/03/10)

SIDMOUTH 1st XV 17pts v AVONMOUTH OB 31pts

This entertaining and open game was finely balanced at half time, but the clue to the final outcome was in the try count: three clinically executed by Avonmouth to one opportunist effort from Sidmouth. After the break the better organised, Bristol based side eased to victory. They soaked up all the increasingly-frantic Sidmouth attack threw at them, without conceding penalties, and hit hard on the counterattack.

In perfect conditions, the Chiefs took the lead in the second minute, thanks to a Dan Retter penalty, after Tom Whelan had run back a kick to make deep inroads into Avonmouth territory. An infringement immediately from the restart kick enabled the Avonmouth full back to level things with a similar effort.

Retter restored his sides lead with drop goal after Harry Chesterton had made ground over the gain line following a lineout on the opposing 22. But the visitors took the lead for the first time when they executed a lineout catch-and-drive from five metres out for the number 7 to get the touch down. The try was unconverted.

Avonmouth took control in the middle of the half and extended their lead when they worked the ball through the phases before exploiting a defensive error which allowed the number 7 to dive over in the right corner for his second unconverted try.

The Chiefs responded well and were soon putting pressure on the Avonmouth line, where the visitors number 6 was yellow carded for handling in a ruck. The Chiefs made good use of the 10 minutes with an extra man to keep on the pressure and take the lead. Another Dan Retter penalty was followed by a second drop goal. Then the fly half launched a high kick which the full back failed to gather. Harry Chesterton was on hand to pick up the loose ball and pass to Simeon Lewry. The wingman outpaced the cover to score an unconverted try.

The visitors regained their errant player, and their composure, to regain the lead in first half injury time. A well-rehearsed move around the front of a lineout in the Sidmouth 22 gave the number 7 an unopposed run in for his hat trick. The unsuccessful conversion attempt brought the half to a conclusion with the visitors 17-18 ahead.

The third quarter saw Avonmouth consolidate their position, as the Sidmouth lineout began to unravel giving the visitors some bonus possession. They rarely threatened the Sidmouth line but eased further ahead with two more penalties.

The Chiefs worked their way back into the game in the final quarter and began to press hard. The Pyne brothers and Nick Mills made inroads close to the breakdown, while Andy Matchett’s fresh legs on the wing were a constant threat to the defence. However, once inside the opposing 22, the Chiefs lacked their opponents composure and killer punch. The defenders soaked up the punishment like Muhammed Ali against George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle“. And, when the Chiefs did manage to produce an overlap, an interception provided the coup-de-grace. The right winger sprinted 80 metres to score under the posts. The conversion opened up a 14 point lead which would remain until the final whistle.

With all of the Chiefs main rivals also losing, the positions in the battle against relegation remain unchanged. The white knuckle ride continues as the Chiefs travel to Brixham on Saturday.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 296)

Quins go down at Exmouth (07/03/10)

Exmouth 2nds 39 Sidmouth Quins 0

Having not played the previous weekend, Sidmouth made the short journey down the coast looking to complete a rare double over Exmouth. Two of the major problems Sidmouth have encountered throughout the season are a lack of consistency in both selection and performance. These problems were plain for everyone to see in this game.

The hosts took the lead after just a couple of minutes with a converted try. A succession of rucks created room on the right for one of the Exmouth backs to score. Within ten minutes the hosts were further in front another try this time unconverted opened up a twelve point lead. Sidmouth fought back and started to defend better but could not mount any real threat; this was due to the Sidmouth scrum and line-out having a very difficult day against an organised and powerful Exmouth eight.

Five minutes before half time Sidmouth centre Giles Dixon was shown a yellow card for fighting (though did not realise and stayed on for a couple of minutes much to the amusement of the crowd) an Exmouth player also involved in the incident was cautioned and given ten minutes to calm down. During this spell Sidmouth defended well and did not concede a single point. Sidmouth fancied their chances of getting a result after fighting (quite literally in some cases) hard to stay in the game and with the slight wind at the backs in the second half.

The half-time talk amongst the Sidmouth team was an optimistic one but any optimism there had been soon crushed by Exmouth. The Cockles coach must have inspired his team as Exmouth scored five unanswered tries, one of which was converted. A brace of tries out wide for the large second row and three more from the backs finished off the rout. One of the tries was lucky the ball bouncing favourably for the Exmouth fullback allowing him to walk in under the posts. Exmouth were also lucky to survive with their full contingent of players. If the referee had seen some of the actions off the ball it is certain he would have sent somebody to the sin bin at the very least.

Sidmouth did have a few of brief spells of pressure but could not convert any of their chances into points. The lack of a kicker in the first half stopped Sidmouth from keeping the scores closer and by the time a willing kicker had been found Sidmouth needed to score tries so decided to run all their penalties. This tactic proved fruitless and Sidmouth finished the game scoreless for the second time this season.

Sidmouth must try to forget this game and move on to their next match at home against Brixham (Blackmoor kick-off 3pm) looking to correct a few issues especially their counter rucking, line-out and scrums all of which were considerably below par throughout this match.

Bryn Thomas (Report ID No. 297)

Injuries hinder Chiefs in Newton Abbot defeat (28/02/10)

NEWTON ABBOT 1st XV 27pts v SIDMOUTH 1st XV 0pts

The Chiefs will be measuring the cost of this match in terms of the injuries sustained rather than the scoreline. The loss of three players, all forwards, crucially altered the balance of this match, in which the Chiefs matched the promotion contenders in all departments in the first half. Two yellow cards also did not help their cause.

Sidmouth kicked off on a pitch which was surprisingly firm after heavy overnight rain. But it was Newton Abbot who drew first blood with a soft try after just four minutes. Two penalties in quick succession enabled them to take up an attacking position. Some slack defending allowed them to move the ball wide and stretch the play. When the ball was switched back the number 5 exploited a gap to score near the posts. The try was converted.

The Chiefs woke up to dominate for much of the rest of the half. The pack matched their more vaunted rivals in all phases and the backs created a number of chances. Inability to finish off promising moves is a matter of concern, as the three-quarter line has yet to find a way to match the sum of its parts. Lack of support seems to be at the core of the problem.

Dan Retter got the line moving efficiently and Andrew Dare and Harry Chesterton both made ground over the gain line. Simeon Lewry and Tom Whelan combined well in a move down the right wing to take play into the Newton 22. A good handling move brought Lewry into the action again. He rounded his winger well before being forced into touch a metre short of the line. In between all this action a Dan Retter penalty attempt from long range rebounded from an upright.

When Newton Abbot made a rare threatening excursion into the Sidmouth half, the forwards turned over possession at a ruck and Dan Trim made a powerful run to put his side back on the attack. Tom Seward returned a clearance kick with a 40 metres run which took him to within five metres of the line. This was followed by a more direct, but equally effective, run by Andrew Dare, which ended the same distance from the line.

Dare turned from near hero to villain, when he conceded a penalty, and was shown a yellow card, for diving over a ruck on his 22. The penalty was converted to open up a 10 point deficit very much against the run of play.

A well judged kick earned a lineout five metres from the Newton line. Pete Singfield peeled off a maul but his drive was stopped a metre short of the line.

It was at this point, with five minutes remaining of the half, that things began to unravel. Dan Trim, with a rib injury, and hooker Liam Kubaczkja (head) were forced to leave the field in quick succession. The home side exploited the disruption to launch a dangerous attack, but the pressure was relieved when the ball went to ground and Harry Chesterton hacked it up field to finish the half at a safe distance.

The home side started the second half strongly and the Chiefs were thrown into further disarray when Tim Phipps was sent to the sin bin for killing the ball at a ruck near his own line.

Sidmouth did well not to concede any points during his absence. However, they did loose replacement forward James Salter with a badly cut head. The disrupted pack eventually buckled 17 minutes into the half, and were pushed back over their own line for the Newton number 8 to claim the touch down. The try was converted.

Play was largely confined to the Sidmouth half in the last quarter. The reorganised pack performed heroically, with Nick Mills and Ollie Pyne particularly prominent in the rearguard action. Meanwhile, outside the scrum, Toms Seward and Whelan brought off try saving tackles before their side ran out of defenders and the Newton number 8 dived over in the left corner for an unconverted try.

Seward sparked off one of the Chiefs bright moments of the half with a splendid run out of defence to start a move which ended with a penalty close to the Newton line. They kicked for the lineout, but the attempted catch and drive was held.

The Chiefs were soon back defending their own line. They survived three five metre scrums, and twice attackers were held up over the line, before the number 8 forced his way over from another five metre scrum. The try was unconverted and the final whistle followed soon after with the Chiefs defiantly on the attack.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 295)

Quins underestimate Athletic. (23/02/10)

Sidmouth Quins 15 Torquay 2nds 18

Sidmouth paid the price for underestimating a young Torquay team. The home side for long periods of the gamed lacked determination, desire and dedication. The visitors showed these three qualities in abundance throughout and deserved their win.

The game started well for the men in Green. Sidmouth had their guests under pressure from the start. A try eventually came from the unlikely source of second row Dan Prettejohn; the ball moved through the hands of the backs to winger Chris Higgs who then timed his pass well out of a tackle allowing Prettejohn to dive over in the corner. The conversion from the left touch-line by Glenn Channing was missed.

The rest of the first half was very uneventful neither side making chances and errors becoming common place by both teams. Torquay were back level on the half-time whistle. A kick ahead by a Torquay back was well gathered and scored to the left of the posts. The simple conversion was missed by the fly-half.

The second half started in similar fashion to the end of the first. Torquay soon had the lead with another try; following long series of phases an obvious knock-on by a Torquay forward just a metre from the Sidmouth line was not noticed by the referee and the try was awarded. The conversion attempt was again unsuccessful.

Sidmouth forced Torquay into conceding a penalty from the restart, Channing this time was on target with the boot to keep his side in touching distance. All the good work Sidmouth had done to keep the scores close was ruined (by themselves which would become a regular theme for the remainder of the game) when Sidmouth conceded a penalty in front of their posts. The Torquay kicker needed the help of the upright but was successful for the first and last time of the game.

Sidmouth had a short spell of pressure which resulted in try for Tristan Beavis. A turnover at maul by Sidmouth gave their backs a chance to show their obvious ability. The ball was moved through the hands to Beavis who found room to break through and dummy the full-back to score. The Channing conversion drew the game level at 13-13.

A tense last quarter of an hour was on the cards for both sides and whoever scored next was sure to win. Unfortunately for the men in Green it was Torquay who scored. A speculative cross-field kick by the Torquay fly-half was well chased by his winger who grounded the ball well, albeit with his foot over the dead ball line. The referee again missed the incident but in fairness was a long distance away and had her view obstructed by several players. The conversion was again missed. Torquay had Sidmouth under pressure for the remainder game and played in a style which would have pleased their management. A bright future will no doubt lay ahead for a number of this young Torquay team who must be praised for a fine performance against a far more experienced Sidmouth team.

This game will hopefully remind Sidmouth never to underestimate a team again and never assume they just have to turn up to win. A Sidmouth back line that would not disgrace a first team was rarely given the opportunity to show their skills. The forwards who have played very well of late were not up to their normal standards and by the end of the game were losing their grip on the scrums. Also having two people who normally play in the centre or on the wing playing in the back row for the last twenty minutes did not help their cause. This weekend Sidmouth will entertain Newton Abbot a side they were unlucky to lose to earlier this season. Kick-off is at 2:00pm.

Bryn Thomas (Report ID No. 294)

Chiefs take big step towards safety with last gasp win at Torquay (21/02/10)

TORQUAY 1st XV 23pts v SIDMOUTH 1st XV 25pts

Like the Battle of Waterloo, this was a damn close run thing. To the neutral this was just another match between two clubs struggling at the wrong end of the league, but to the committed it was as important as a cup final. And those who turned up to watch had their money’s worth in terms of a hard physical battle, some exhilarating running rugby and a dramatic finale. The battle against relegation can be every bit as thrilling as the contest for honours.

Both sides knew where the match was going to be won and lost. The key to success for the home side was their juggernaut pack, while Chiefs knew they had to move the ball wide to keep it away from them. However, it would be too simplistic to say this was match between the Sidmouth backs and the Torquay forwards. The Sidmouth pack showed great courage and resilience to provide enough possession for the game to be won. And the Torquay defence did not part like the Red Sea, it had to be prised open.

The Chiefs kicked off in perfect conditions and the forwards followed up well to regain possession. Good driving earned them a penalty, which Dan Retter converted from wide out on the left to open the scoring in the second minute. He few minutes later he kicked a second when the referee spotted some jersey pulling during a promising kick and chase.

It was not long before the Chiefs backs showed their potential, when they split the defence and looked certain to score, but were brought back for an earlier foot in touch.

As the half progressed the Torquay forwards began to take control with rolling mauls from lineouts and close driving play. They should have scored when they pushed the Chiefs off their own put in at a scrum close to the line, but the number eight knocked on as went to touch the ball down. They maintained the attacking position until their fly half dropped a goal to open their scoring.

The Sidmouth backs continued to threaten. Tom Seward ran back a kick from near halfway and was only stopped by a last ditch tackle. From another counterattack, Simeon Lewry kicked ahead and forced the full back to concede a five metre scrum. Then a Harry Chesterton break was only stopped a couple of metres short. So it was against the run of play that Torquay took the lead. A loose pass on the Sidmouth 22 was hacked on by the right winger who won the chase for the touch down. The fly half converted from the touchline.

The Chiefs regained the lead almost immediately from a scrum on the home 22. Tom Seward came off his wing to join the line in the centre and make the initial break. Slick handling then sent Simeon Lewry sprinting into the corner for an unconverted try.

Torquay finished the half strongly and regained the lead in injury time with a penalty.

The ‘Tics started the second half where they had left off. A good kick from the fly half got them on the attack and some strong forward play earned them a five metre scrum. They drove the Sidmouth eight back over the line and this time made no mistake in getting the touch down. The conversion opened up a nine point lead.

Play became confined to the midfield area as he Torquay pack controlled possession but could make little progress against a determined Sidmouth defence. Any kicks were confidently dealt with by the Sidmouth back three. Then, with 15 minutes of the half gone, the Chiefs made a triple substitution which altered the balance of the game. On came Stuart Selway and Greg Howell to put fresh bodies into the front row. And Andy Matchett provided a new pair of legs to the backline. Torquay were unable to match either, and, with their scrummaging power neutralised, the Chiefs began to win better quality possession.

On the hour mark, Dan Retter reduced the arrears with a penalty. A few minutes later the gap was closed to just one point by an outstanding try. The forwards turned over possession at a ruck inside their own half and the backs found space on the left to release Tom Seward down the wing. As the cover closed in, he passed inside to Harry Chesterton. He was tackled just short of the line but popped the ball up for Andy Dare to put the finishing touch. The try was unconverted.

With 10 minutes to go the Torquay fly half kicked a penalty to increase the lead, But this was soon cancelled out when Retter kicked his fourth after a powerful run by Andy Matchett had earned the chance.

With just two minutes of normal time to go, the Torquay fly half lined up a penalty attempt, which would have left the Chiefs needing a try. He hooked the ball wide to the great relief of the large number of travelling Sidmouth supporters.

As the game entered injury time, a penalty enabled the Chiefs to set up a lineout on the Torquay 22. The ball was delivered quickly to the backs and Tom Whelan joined the line to make a half break and create room for Tom Seward. The left winger cut inside on a diagonal run to the posts. He was pulled down five metres from the line. The forwards were on hand to recycle the ball and Dan Retter dropped a goal to give his side a precious two point lead. There was a nail-biting minute of play left before the relief of the final whistle.


Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 293)

Quins win at Crediton (16/02/10)

Crediton 2nds 18 Sidmouth Quins 29

Sidmouth having scored almost one hundred points in their last two games, travelled to Crediton for this Merit table fixture. The previous encounter earlier this season was one of the worst performances by a Sidmouth team in recent years and Crediton rightly left with a victory. Sidmouth were looking to make amends by leaving with a win and a good performance.

Sidmouth playing up hill in the first half took the lead within five minutes; Glenn Channing kicking a penalty from forty metres. Minutes later the Crediton kicker had an attempt at equalling the score but failed. A fifteen minute spell of disjointed play followed until Sidmouth extended their lead further; Sam Cummins fielded a long Crediton clearance and ran the ball back into the hosts half, the fullback linked with inside centre Giles Dixon who in turn passed to his fellow centre Chris Higgs. Higgs broke through three poor tackles to run in from thirty-five metres and score out wide. An excellent conversion by Channing opened up a 0-10 lead for the visitors.

A prolonged period of pressure by Crediton kept Sidmouth pinned in their half unable to escape. Crediton missed several possible opportunities to score; through good defence from the men in Green especially at scrums with the experience of the front three Greg Howell, Reg Turner and Tom Galvin proving invaluable. The ball was also turned over near the try line on two or three occasions, but was not cleared fully. Eventually the pressure did turn into points; the Crediton kicker opening his account with a penalty.

Sidmouth managed to extend their lead even further before the interval with two more penalties via the reliable right boot of Channing. The half-time score of Crediton 3 Sidmouth 13 looked very positive for the away side, with the advantage of the considerable slope to come in the second period.

After a ten minute spell of neither side making any chances Sidmouth added a second try; Winger Simeon Lewry on the score sheet for his seventh try in the last three games. The try came from broken play a couple simple passes after a ruck created room for Lewry to run in from thirty metres also breaking three or four tackles, much like Higgs had earlier. Channing again converted well.

The Crediton captain clearly had a little conversation under the posts with his players after the Sidmouth try as they came out a different side. A prolonged spell of pressure by Crediton saw them add twelve unanswered points. The first three points came from a simple penalty kick in front the posts. The first of two Crediton tries followed soon after; a series of phases by the Crediton forwards saw Sidmouth concede a penalty. The Crediton scrum-half took a quick tap and dived over from all of two metres to score. The conversion was successful. The second Crediton try was rather luckier a solid Sidmouth scrum took a ball against the head again five metres from they line. The Sidmouth forwards came up from the scrum expecting to see the ball kicked into touch somewhere down field; instead what they saw was Crediton celebrating a try having charged down the attempted clearance kick. The conversion from the touch-line was missed

Crediton were now within five points of Sidmouth with ten minutes to play. The home team fancied they chances of winning the game, however this was not to be the case as Sidmouth were soon back on top. Two more penalties by Channing stretched the Sidmouth lead to eleven. Channing then tried to add the finishing touch to the game with a drop goal, but was unsuccessful by some distance.

Sidmouth played well for periods of this game and should have taken advantage of the slope more in the second half. Crediton were fortunate to score their second try and despite having Sidmouth under pressure in the forwards at times they rarely looked dangerous in the backs. Sidmouth will look to improve further still this weekend against Torquay (a side they beat away earlier in the season) who are bottom of the league, but who must not be underestimated.

Bryn Thomas (Report ID No. 292)

Chief take further step towards safety against St Mary's OB (14/02/10)

SIDMOUTH 1st XV 25pts v ST MARY’S OLD BOYS 1st XV 8pts

Sidmouth continued their move away from the relegation zone with this win against bottom club St Mary’s Old Boys. However, the Bristol side recovered well from a bad start to push the Chiefs all the way until a spectacular solo try from Harry Chesterton late in the second half finally killed them off.

The Chiefs scored two excellent tries in the first seven minutes, but then lost their way as they gave away too many penalties at the breakdown, and failed to capitalise on a dominant scrum as, too often, they lost control of the ball at the base. On the plus side, the young front row produced another strong performance and the backs showed a cutting edge which will produce even more tries as they blend into a unit.

In perfect conditions, the Chiefs started strongly and took the lead after just two minutes. Tom Seward fielded a missed touch kick on the left and started a move which ended with fellow winger Will Finch touching down on the far side. Dan Retter added the conversion. Five minutes later came try number two. From a scrum on the St Mary’s 22, Dan Trim broke blind and linked with brother Steve who sprinted clear of the cover to score in the right corner. The try was unconverted.

On their first visit to the Sidmouth half St Mary’s were awarded a penalty which the full back kicked to reduce the arrears. But, straight from the restart, the visitors infringed and Dan Retter kicked the goal to restore a 12 point advantage.

At this point a familiar pattern emerged as the Chiefs began to give away too many penalties and found themselves pinned inside their own half. St Mary’s concentrated their attacks through their forwards driving and mauling but the Chiefs defence remained solid. However, it was 20 minutes before they launched a significant attack of their own. Harry Chesterton sliced through the centre but could not find support as the cover closed in and he was brought down five metres short. The Chiefs remained on the attack until the half time whistle but could not add to their score.

As in the previous match, it was the opposition which dominated the opening stages of the second half. St Mary’s were using their backs more now, with players coming from deep and joining the line at challenging angles. They started to break the first line of defence but did not have the pace to outflank the Sidmouth cover.

It was fully 15 minutes into the half before the Chiefs got themselves into an attacking position. A Dan Retter break opened up the defence after good driving by the forwards but lack of support brought the move to an end.

As the game moved into the final quarter, the Chiefs found themselves defending deep inside their 22. A crucial scrum win against the head 5 metres form the line enabled them to clear the danger before Harry Chesterton’s moment of magic sealed the game for them. He caught a clearance kick near halfway before threading his way through the defence to score near the posts. Retter added the conversion and, a few minutes later extended the lead with a penalty.

St Mary’s were not done for and showed great spirit to finish the game strongly. They were eventually rewarded with a try in injury time when they outflanked a tiring defence for their blindside flanker to cross in the right corner. The unsuccessful conversion attempt heralded the final whistle.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 291)

Chiefs turn tables on Ivybridge to move up the table (11/02/10)

SIDMOUTH 1st XV 22pts v IVYBRIDGE 1st XV 5pts

The Chiefs produced one of their best performances of the season to wipe out the memory of one of their worst and pull themselves clear of the bottom three relegation zone.

A heavy defeat at Ivybridge back in September gave an early sign that this was going to be a season of struggle. All at the Blackmore now hope that this victory, which featured some sparkling rugby by the Chiefs, will provide the springboard for a recovery which will keep them in the South West league.

An in-form Dan Retter at fly half, and the return of Harry Chesterton in the centre, gave the backs a cutting edge which had the Ivybridge defence at full stretch, particularly in the first half. However, the foundation for the win was up front, where battle-hardened regulars Dan Trim, Rhys Thomas and Nick Mills were on top form. But top mark must also go to, what must be, the youngest front row ever to take the field for the Chiefs. Ben Halford, Liam Kubaczka and Matt Farrington have an average age of just 19. Less than two years ago they were the cornerstone of the Colts and on Saturday, for the first 40 minutes, they bossed the scrum at senior level. True they wilted a little against heavier opponents as the game progressed, but they never buckled, and, with the help of Greg Howell in the closing stages, saw their side through to victory.

With the breeze behind them on a heavy pitch, the Chiefs started with a bang. They soon had the visitors back-peddling and took the lead in the second minute with a Dan Retter penalty. They were soon pressing again thanks to a sparkling threequarter move which took play deep into the opposing 22, where they camped. A well placed chip ahead by Tom Seward forced the defence to concede a five metre scrum. In a well rehearsed move, Dan Trim broke from the base to link with brother Steve, who sent Will Finch over in the corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but the Chiefs had an eight point lead in as many minutes.

With the pack providing a good supply of ball, the Sidmouth backs continued to cause havoc. Harry Chesterton made a classic outside break but could not find support at the vital moment. Then midway through the half a Tom Seward run had the defence in disarray. They conceded a penalty and Retter increased the lead from close range. The fly half then added a drop goal after some great driving play by the forwards had put him in range.

At this stage familiar discipline problems brought Ivybridge into the game as a series of penalties were given away at the breakdowns. Eventually the referee lost patience and, after a general warning, Ollie Pyne was the unfortunate one to be shown a yellow card. Either side of this Ivybridge came close to scoring twice. They crossed the line from a lineout catch-and-drive play but the Chiefs prevented a touchdown. Then a superb tackle by Andrew Dare drove a forward backwards as he dived for the line. They withstood a further period of pressure until some aggressive tackling produced a penalty from which they cleared up field.

They finished the half strongly and increased their lead to 17 points with a third Dan Retter penalty in the last minute of the half.

At halftime Ivybridge changed one of their props and clearly decided to keep the ball close to the forwards with a mauling game. With this tactic proving successful, and the breeze now in their favour, they kept the Chiefs pinned in their own half for the first ten minutes after the restart. However, they could not find a way through a resolute defence.

The Chiefs eventually broke out when a good handling move put Will Finch in space. He sprinted 50 metres up the right touchline before he was cut off by the cover. The support was quickly on hand to recycle the ball. It was smoothly worked through several phases until the defence was at full stretch. Quick handling found Harry Chesterton unmarked on the right to run in an unconverted try.

In the final quarter the Ivybridge pack began to get the upper hand. They were helped by some misdirected Sidmouth kicking when keeping the ball in hand might have been more profitable against the breeze, and a decidedly shaky defence.

The visitors pressure was eventually rewarded with 5 minutes to go when one of their props dived over in the left corner after a long period of pressure. The try was unconverted and the Chiefs played out the remaining time comfortably.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 290)

Quins gain revenge over Tivvy! (01/02/10)

Sidmouth Quins 50 Tiverton 2nds 10



Sidmouth avenged an away defeat to Tiverton earlier in the season in convincing fashion. The visitors were out played for the majority of the came and were lucky not to concede more points.
Sidmouth opened the scoring a try in the left corner for James Gingell. The conversion attempt by Harry Chesterton was missed. Tiverton soon opened their account with a try, the visitors winger scoring in the corner following a blind-side scrum move, the conversion was missed.
Sidmouth scored two quick tries courtesy of centre John Kitchen and flanker Roger Golding. The tries were very similar in style, the ball being hacked through and grounded well under pressure. Gingell taking over the kicking duties converted both tries.
The match entered a quiet spell, two missed penalties by Gingell was the closest either side came to scoring. In the last fifteen minutes of the half the visitors had Sidmouth under considerable pressure. Fine defensive work by the forwards repelled two driving mauls, this was accompanied by excellent tackling and work at the breakdown by the backs with the returning Tristan Beavis to the fore. Tiverton were getting riled and soon found themselves a man down, the hooker being carded for back chat.
Sidmouth took advantage of their superior numbers by scoring another try. Winger Simeon Lewry continuing his fine recent form scored in the right corner after sprinting in from thirty metres; following excellent handling from two of the front row Reg Turner and Chris Otway. Gingell again added the conversion. This made the score at half time Sidmouth (26) Tiverton (5).
Soon after the interval two more tries for Lewry effectively ended any chance of a Tiverton come back. The first try was made possible through swift handling by the backs. The second came after a good Sidmouth line-out, supplied the backs with decent possession on the front foot, they again handled well to allow room for Lewry to finish the move beating his opposite number with ease. The first conversion by Gingell was on target the second unfortunately drifted just wide.
Sidmouth had all the momentum and should have continued to look to score tries. A strange the decision to kick a penalty (which was missed) when so clearly on top allowed Tiverton to clear up field. There the visitors stayed for a ten minute spell eventually scoring in the through their number eight. The conversion was missed.
Sidmouth were soon back on the attack and looking to extend their lead further. A few try scoring opportunities were missed due to basic errors. This changed when Lewry ran in his fourth from forty-five metres, scoring his sixth try in two games, an impressive record which should see him called into the first team soon. The conversion by Gingell was successful.
The home team were not finished there, a try with the last play of the game for James Salter. A quick tap penalty near the Tiverton line created a gap near the touch-line. The flanker had just enough room to squeeze over in the corner from five metres. The drop goal conversion by Gingell went wide of the near post bringing the game to an end.
Sidmouth were very worthy winners of the game but should have scored more, a couple strange tactical decisions costing them opportunities. Some fantastic defensive work by both forwards and backs will be viewed as considerable positives. There were also some outstanding individual displays which will have surely been noticed by those in authority. This weekend Sidmouth travel to Ivybridge in a rearranged merit table fixture. Hopefully they can add to the ninety points in the previous two games and come away with another win.



Bryn Thomas (Report ID No. 289)

Chiefs suffer heavy defeat at St Ives (31/01/10)

ST IVES 1st XV 47pts v SIDMOUTH 1st XV 5pts

The score line fails to do justice to the Chiefs contribution to this highly entertaining game. They dominated for long periods either side of half time with little reward for their effort and enterprise. In the first quarter St Ives capitalized on a stiff breeze at their backs and some slack Sidmouth defence. In the closing minutes they benefited from a superior scrum, which had sapped the strength of the Sidmouth eight to such an extent that they ran out of steam.

The opening five minutes gave no indication of what was to follow in the next 15 or so. The Chiefs opened brightly with the forwards driving well and a promising move up the blindside of a ruck. A strong run by Andrew Dare, which took his side over the gain line, offered more promise. However, when the ball was turned over at a ruck just inside the St Ives half in the seventh minute, a powerful run by a forward created space for his backs. Some weak tackling compounded the problem and the outside centre completed the move under the posts for his fellow centre to add the conversion.

Five minutes later the full back joined the line from a scrum just inside the Sidmouth 22. Two defenders went for him leaving the right winger unmarked to finish the move off. The full back then turned from provider to scorer after a back row move from a scrum 30 metres out had cut the defence open once again. The try was converted.

The Hakes now had their tails up and were soon hammering away on the Sidmouth line again. The Chiefs defended well against a series of drives and when Dan Retter intercepted a loose pass and broke out of the 22 a kick up field might have been the best option. Instead he tried to find his support and the ball went to ground giving St Ives an attacking scrum. They worked their way back to the line and this time a forward forced his way over from close range. The conversion opened up a 26-0 lead.

Dan Trim, making a welcome return after knee surgery, caught the resulting kick off and set his side on the attack. They were awarded a penalty which was kicked to the corner for an attacking lineout. The catch-and-drive was held but at the cost of another penalty and another lineout. This time the drive got over the line with the ball in the hands of Ben Halford, but the referee ruled that he had failed to get the ball down. Two 5 metres scrums followed but, under pressure, they could not control the ball.

A St Ives clearance kick failed to find touch. First Tom Seward, then Will Finch made breaks to take play back to the goal line. Ollie Derryman and Scott Davies both came close to the line but the Chiefs could not register a score. When St Ives finally broke the siege, they were awarded a penalty which was kicked from 40 metres to make the halftime score 0-29.

With the breeze now in the favour, the Chiefs went on the attack from the restart kick. Andrew Dare, Ollie Derryman and Will Finch all made promising breaks to keep the pressure on until it was eventually rewarded ten minutes into the half. Tom Whelan fielded a clearance kick on halfway. He chipped the ball over the chasing players and followed up to re-gather the ball before sending Scott Davies racing into the corner for an unconverted try.

The restart kick enabled St Ives to pay their first visit of the half into Sidmouth territory. They were immediately awarded a penalty which was converted into three points.

The Chiefs continued to enjoy territorial advantage but their scrum was coming under increasing pressure as the game moved into the final quarter. St Ives began to set up attacks with their back row and scrum half linking effectively. They set up the right winger on a long run and only good covering by Tom Whelan prevented a score.

The St Ives pack took complete control in the closing minutes and they scored two tries in quick succession from attacking scrums, one of which was converted. A penalty in injury time completed the scoring.

On Saturday the Chiefs play the first of three consecutive games which are winnable, and they must win if they are to put their survival chances back into their own hands. Ivybridge, St Mary’s Old Boys and Torquay are all fellow strugglers.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 288)

Quins win in North Devon (25/01/10)

Bideford RFC 2nds 13 Sidmouth Quins 48

Sidmouth 2nds made the long trip to North Devon to play Bideford in a friendly fixture. This was first game of 2010 for most of the Sidmouth team.

The opening minutes were scrappy with neither side making any decent chances. This changed in the seventh minute with a try for Sidmouth courtesy of fullback Sam Cummins; quick handling gave Cummins space to score in the right corner. The conversion effort by Dan Retter was unsuccessful.

A quiet spell of fifteen minutes was ended with a second Sidmouth try, this time for Dan Retter. A quick tap penalty and break by scrum-half Matt Sullivan carved open the defence, Retter who was in support picked the ball up off the ground to go over from five metres. The Retter conversion in a similar position to the first was again unsuccessful.

Bideford were in control for the remainder of the half. Their first score came from a simple penalty, followed by a try in the final minutes of the half which went unconverted. This made the score at the interval Bideford (8) Sidmouth (10).

Sidmouth began the second half with two tries in ten minutes. The first a solo try from winger Simeon Lewry; running in from thirty metres after fielding an intended clearance kick. The second try by Stuart Bickerstaff was a fantastic team try, the ball being handled by both backs and forwards in a move involving at least six different players. Both the conversions by Retter were successful.

Sidmouth momentarily relaxed allowing Bideford a glimmer of hope. A second Bideford try which was unconverted, hinted at the possibility of a comeback. This however was not to be case.

Sidmouth regrouped scoring four tries in a manic fifteen minute period. An easy try for winger Moray Bosence in the left corner preceded a try for number eight Dan Trim following a scrum against the head. Both the conversions by Retter drifted wide.
The third try of the sequence by Stuart Bickerstaff, his second was scored under the posts after a quick tap penalty. This was followed minutes later by a second Simeon Lewry try, the winger running in from twenty-five metres after chasing a kick through. The conversions by Retter were this time both on target.

The referee had obviously seen enough and abandoned the game with ten minutes still to play. Sidmouth have a lot of potential but may encounter problems in the coming weeks with players leaving to go abroad. If Sidmouth can produce a full eighty minutes of Rugby to match the second forty in this game, then they are a match for any side in Devon. This weekend Sidmouth will entertain Tiverton on the Blackmoor (kick-off is at 2:30pm), hoping to avenge an away defeat earlier in the season.

Bryn Thomas (Report ID No. 287)

Chiefs battle for one point against fellow strugglers Yatton (24/01/10)

SIDMOUTH 1st XV 21pts v YATTON 1st XV 21pts

Two points were required, but one could be crucial at the end of the season. According to your point of view, the Chiefs either rode their luck in this close encounter, or were rewarded for their never-say-die spirit. To the impartial, both were true. When Yatton took the lead for the first time in the 63rd minute, the Chiefs showed no inclination to lie down. However there was an element of luck involved in the equalising score.

Sidmouth made the better start after kicking off in good conditions at the Blackmore. The forwards had the edge in the tight and were fast to the breakdown. As a result they kept Yatton pinned in their own half for much of the first quarter and were rewarded with an excellent try when the visitors failed to find touch with a clearance kick in the 7th minute. Andrew Dare fielded the ball and made good ground before passing to Ollie Derryman. The flanker timed his pass to perfection to send Giles Dixon sprinting into the right corner.

Continued pressure was rewarded with a Glenn Channing penalty after a high tackle on Dare had brought another promising move to an end.

As the half progressed the persistent problem of poor discipline crept in and a series of penalties gave the initiative to Yatton. After a couple of missed penalties, a change of kicker got them on the scoreboard when the fly half converted their third effort.

A few minutes later a driving maul splintered the Sidmouth pack and the ball was moved quickly through several phases before the loose head prop drove over from close range to level the scores. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

The Chiefs responded with another spell of pressure. A dropped pass by the Yatton backs was hacked on. Tom Seward followed up and gathered the loose ball. He made ground into the 22 before finding Ollie Derryman in support. He dived over in the corner but the referee was not satisfied that the ball had been touched down. Moments later Steve Trim crossed the line from the base of a ruck but again the official ruled that the ball was held up. On the stroke of halftime, the pressure was eventually rewarded when Glenn Channing restored the lead with a well struck penalty.

After the break Yatton began to get the upper hand through their forwards. The Chiefs came under pressure in the scrums and were missing their jumpers too often in the lineouts. The defence was solid against early pressure but the visitors drew level with a penalty.

When the Chiefs broke out briefly Channing restored the lead with his third penalty. However Yatton soon regained the initiative. Another penalty levelled the scores before they took the lead with a well constructed try. From a scrum on the right just inside the Sidmouth 22, the full back joined the line between his centres and broke clear before transferring to the outside centre who ran in unopposed. The conversion opened up a seven point gap.

With seven minutes of normal time to go, the Chiefs benefited from a slice of good fortune. They were awarded a penalty 30 metres out. With Glenn Channing by now warming the bench, Tom Whelan took the kick which would have cut the lead to four points. His attempt rebounded off an upright and was knocked on by one of the defenders giving the Chiefs a scrum five metres from in front of the posts. From this position they launched a concerted attack. When the defenders were penalised the ball was kicked to the corner for a lineout. A maul was set up from which Nathan Hannay forced his way over the line but he could not get the ball to ground.

The pressure continued and with it the penalty count against Yatton. From one of these five metres out, Steve Trim took a quick tap and was immediately tackled by a player who had failed to retire. The referee’s patience ran out and he awarded a penalty try. Tom Whelan converted from in front of the posts to level the scores.

There was enough time for Yatton to be awarded a long range penalty, but to the relief of the Sidmouth supporters the attempt drifted just wide of the posts and the final whistle soon followed.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 286)

Colts scrape through in lacklustre performance (23/01/10)

Torrington 0 Sidmouth 7

It’s been 5 weeks without a game for the Colts and the lack of games and poor attendance at training was demonstrated by a lacklustre and frustrating performance with some unusual poor handling and tackling. Sidmouth certainly started well and in the first half dominated the game having all the possession and spending 80% of the half in the oppositions twenty two but were unable to capitalise. Credit must go to Torrington for some excellent defending and Sidmouth knew they were lacking the desire and ideas to get the ball over the line to score. With no score at half time Torrington came out attacking but Sidmouth dug in deep and the forwards worked well in securing the ball and eventually Ross McGilchrist carried the ball over to score. Ben Pratt, having an excellent game at fly half, converted. Torrington were unlucky not to score and it was Sidmouths turn to defend well and Jonny Hamill kicked them out of trouble. Coach Callum Hill congratulated the side for the win but reiterated the need to improve fitness at training and build on what is a solid team and a solid foundation. Man of the match went to Jake Sawer.

Marc Colson (Report ID No. 285)

Chiefs suffer injury time defeat to Paignton (17/01/10)

SIDMOUTH 1st XV 13pts v PAIGNTON 1st XV 14pts

For the fourth time this season the Chiefs lost a game after leading going into the final minutes. This was one they really should have won, having controlled possession and territory for long periods. However they failed to turn pressure into points, allowing Paignton to stay within the one score they eventually achieved deep into injury time.

The early signs were promising as the Sidmouth pack applied pressure in the scrums and stole the ball at an early lineout. However they failed to satisfy the referee at the breakdown and conceded a series of penalties in the first quarter. The Paignton full back kicked three of them to give his side a nine point lead after 18 minutes.

With the penalty count reduced and the pack still in control of the set pieces, the Chiefs began to take control and apply pressure in the Paignton 22. On the half hour they were rewarded with a well-taken try. From a scrum in the middle of the visitors 22, Nathan Hannay broke and linked with Steve Trim. He made ground before threading a pass between two defenders and Scott Davies sprinted in at the corner. Glenn Channing added the conversion from wide out on the right.

A few minutes later Channing put his side in front with a penalty after a strong run from Hannay and a well angled one by Giles Dixon had put the defence under pressure. Then, straight from the restart Tom Seward, the most dangerous of the Sidmouth backs, followed up a Glenn Channing kick to gather the ball and burst into the opposing 22. He found Giles Dixon in support, but he was brought down just short of the line, bringing the move to an end. The score remained 10-9 at halftime.

The Chiefs were in almost total control for the first 35 minutes of the second half. They kept Paignton pinned inside their own half but could only add three points to their lead with another Glenn Channing penalty, and it took 27 minutes to achieve that. The normally reliable kicker could only manage two out of six on the day, with one attempt rebounding agonisingly from an upright. Of more concern was the failure of the backs to create opportunities from the amount of good possession the forwards provided for them. There were good individual touches but they rarely combined as a unit.

This failure to turn pressure into points allowed Paignton to remain in touch with five minutes to go, at which point the Chiefs once again incurred the wrath of the referee. Three penalties in quick succession enabled Paignton to, first to get out of their own half, and then create an attacking position close to the Sidmouth line.

Under intense pressure the Chiefs defended with courage and determination, but also illegally according to the official. He awarded a series of penalties against them and showed two yellow cards, with Nick Mills and Dan Retter having to cool their heals for the closing minutes. Eventually the Chiefs ran out of defenders and, from a tap penalty move the left winger squeezed in at the corner. The unsuccessful conversion attempt was followed by the final whistle.
The Chiefs were left to wonder what they have to do to win a game. But win games is what they have to do if relegation is to be avoided. With eleven games remaining, four must be the minimum requirement, with other results needing to go their way.

On Saturday fellow strugglers Yatton visit the Blackmore. With a win vital to both sides, it promises to be a thriller. The kick off is at 2.30pm.

Terry O'Brien (Report ID No. 284)

Traditional Boxing Day Fixture is a Great Success (15/01/10)

Boxing Day Match


Sidmouth 1st XV 19 Presidents XV 12


The traditional Boxing Day match has, for many years, been one of the highlights of the Sidmouth social calendar. The game serves us an entertaining prelude to the renewal of old acquaintances in the bar and also provides an opportunity for some younger players to show-case their talents. Two, for Sidmouth, who took their chance were Tom Hodge who gave a virtuoso display at full back and Ben Halford, whose strong scrummaging always ensured his team had a solid platform to work from.
For the Presidents, scrum – half Will Dunford’s excellent service and Tom Whelan’s quicksilver skills at fly-half ensured that try scoring opportunities would come along.
Sidmouth began the match in friendly fashion by failing to kick ten metres. From the ensuing scrum the Presidents launched a promising attack but infringed at a ruck, allowing Sidmouth to relieve the pressure with a long penalty kick to touch. From the line-out they retained possession well until a break by Dan Retter was carried on by his forwards. When the ball was moved sharply to the right Glen Channing made good ground before returning the ball to Retter to touch down in the corner. Channing converted from the touchline for a 7 – 0 lead after five minutes of play.
Fifteen minutes later Sidmouth had another chance to kick a penalty deep into the corner. Again the forwards retained possession well and went through the phases until an overlap was created enabling Will Finch to score in the corner. Not to be outdone Retter reminded us that he can also knock them over from the touch line by adding the two points for a 14 – 0 lead.
The Presidents response was to produce the best try of the game. Receiving the ball from a line-out in his own twenty-two, Whelan deftly chipped the ball over the Sidmouth backs for John Raistrick to gather and transfer, in one swift movement, to fellow centre Sam Smee who was easily quick enough to outpace the defence over 50 metres for a try. The score at half-time was 14 – 5 to Sidmouth.
By now the Presidents, always a scratch side, had completed introductions and were starting to play as a team. After a spell of sustained pressure and excellent service from Dunford provided Smee with enough time to contemplate the defence before comfortably beating two defenders to touch down for his second try. The conversion by Whelan brought the score to 14 – 12.
Twelve minutes from the end Sidmouth increased their lead when, following up a kick ahead, they caught the defence in possession and regained the ball. Good handling across the width of the field provided Chris Higgs with enough space to dive over in the corner. Although the Presidents finished the match strongly they were unable to find the equalizing score.
The game was festively refereed by Steve Thorne who, in spite of the heavy conditions, enabled both sides to play expansive rugby and produce five excellent tries. Congratulations to all who contributed to a great day, especially the loyal band of bar staff who worked harder than anybody.


Written by Clive Dwerryhouse

Clive Dwerryhouse (Report ID No. 283)

What could have been !! (17/12/09)

Tiverton 17 Sidmouth 12

The Black Horse sponsored Third team were disappointed after having the lions share of possession and failing to finish off plenty of scoring opportunities.

The home side scored two first-half tries one converted both breakaways from deep in their own 22. The Green Army should have at least touched down on more than one occasion, forward pass, knock on, having the belief to go all the way, it just wasn't going for them and turned around 12-0 down.
Things got worse when Tiverton crashed over, under the posts, the conversion missed seemed to gee up Sidmouth. A excellent run from Jamie Baker, going around the last defender to score wide out. Sustained pressure perhaps should have resulted in a penalty try when the home side brought down a maul just short of the try line.
Mark Hayman had a couple of breaks that with better support would have yielded more points. Frank Helmer took an inside pass from Jerry Trump and powered his way over, just rewards for his effort during the match, Trump slotted the extras. Tiverton defended excellently to stop Sidmouth from getting the score which would have least pulled them level. Moray Boscence at centre had another fine game. Once again it was played with uncontested scrums so PLEASE if any budding or aged front row is about we would welcome with open arms. This week the Thirds entertain Bideford Thirds at Sidford, with a 2.30 KO followed by the xmas party at the clubhouse all welcome, contact Hakim Bakrim; 07538899979

Steve Channing (Report ID No. 282)