Matches between these two sides are always keenly contested - probably the closest either come to a local derby with several of the players attending the same educational establishments.

There is very much a mutual respect and Sidmouth came into this game with the upper hand knowing that it has been a couple of season since Exmouth last recorded a victory.

The final scoreline was not going to be blamed on the weather with a clear sky and excellent handling conditions for good flowing rugby.

 

While both sides were still checking out each others strengths Sidmouth took the lead with a well taken penalty just outside the 22 early on.  Exmouth responded quickly, almost straight from the kick-off.  Pressure from the Exmouth chasers drove Sidmouth back towards their own line with Exmouth winning a scrum just outside the 5 metre line.  Sam Bull, collected the ball at 8 and powered over for a try that was converted by Shaun Fayter.

Much of the game was played mid-filed with a battle royal between both sets of forwards.

 

While Sidmouth seemed to have the upper-hand around the rucks - and seemed better drilled Exmouth more than made of for this in through their defensive line with a high tackle count.  Exmouth dominated the line-out and scrums with Tom Caygill having a tremendous game comfortably taking ball against the throw.  Not to be out done Alex Hole had similar success in the scrum takings at least 3 against the head.  The Exmouth forwards provided a solid platform for Joe Parkin to feed the backs with some magical darting runs and chips of his own to keep Sidmouth on the back foot. 

 

Shaun Fayter controlled the back line with effective kicks to thwart the few excursions in to Exmouth territory and releasing the backs to stretch their opponents.  This formula worked well and led to two tries by Lloyd Murrin - who had another outstanding game.  Both tires were very similar in that indecision by the Sidmouth defence allowed him in to score.  Lloyd chased his own chip to score on the left while Sidmouth waited for the bounce.  The second again saw Lloyd win the race to touch down - this time on the right.  On both occasions Sidmouth were cross as they had too many ball watching rather than killing the ball.

 

Between Lloyds tries Matt Kain capitalised on scrappy ball from the Sidmouth scrum.  Pressure from the Exmouth forwards saw the ball hacked back for Matt, playing at flanker, to score near the posts.  Shaun Fayter added the conversion to make the final score-line 24 to 3.  This was a controlled display by a developing Exmouth squad with strength in all areas. 

 

Both sides played a committed game and was again a great advertisement for Colts rugby in Devon.  The referee kept the game moving and while the scoreline looks convincing Sidmouth looked better than the scoreline suggests and the visit to Sidmouth later in the season promises to be another cracker.