Exmouth U11's 7 - 36 Sidmouth

Exmouth U 11’s entertained Sidmouth at the imperial ground on Sunday in what was expected to be a very tight contest. Indeed the match was very close in the first quarter with neither side giving or making any ground. The ball rarely moved far from the centre of the pitch. Towards the end of the first half Sidmouth managed to find some space out wide and with some slick passing scored a unconverted try. This first half of rugby was probably the closest the supporters of the young cockles have seen for a very long time.

However during the later stages of the match Sidmouth found gaps in the Exmouth defence and some pretty ineffectual tackling produced five tries for Sidmouth three of which were converted. The opertunities for the Cockles to put points on the board were not often created as there did not seem to be much interaction between the Forwards & Backs, preventing any second or third phase ball. One occasion mid way through the second half Exmouth put the Sidmouth defence under prolonged pressure and a try looked to be coming but the ball popped out of the ruck on the Sidmouth side and a very long clearance kick found touch just inside the Exmouth Half.

As the match was nearing the end without Exmouth looking as though they were not getting any reward for their efforts an opportunity came for Ben Dawson to intercept a wayward Sidmouth pass five metres from the Exmouth line. Dawson was quick to break the line and with two Sidmouth players giving chase he sprinted the length of the pitch to score which was then converted by Arron Lee.

The match was a lot closer than the final score suggests and some fine tackling from Richard Alen (Tackler of the Match) and Olly Cowley (Player of the Match) stood out as one of the great positive aspects to be taken forward. Exmouth will be disappointed with the score but hopefully will take the lessons of missed tackles on board for next week’s local derby match with Withycombe.