local rugby

Sidmouth III 7pts, Exmouth III 34 After heavy rain on Friday night, there was a chance this game might be called off.On arrival the pitch at Sidford was in perfect condition for rugby and Exmouth put pressure on Sidmouth from the kick-off.The forwards were in fine form, presenting the backs with perfect ball.Adam Bond at scrum half, who has just finished in the Royal Navy, made an impressive start after rejoining his old mates. The backs didn't take many minutes to put outside centre Richard Hall in for the first try.It wasn't long before veteran centre Simon Wade cut through the Sidmouth backs to score under the posts to leave Matt Bramble an easy conversion. Tries by Adam Bond and full-back Roger Nye, on the end of a 30-metre run, concluded the first-half scoring. Sidmouth narrowed the score line with a well-deserved try and conversion.In the second half, Sidmouth got their act together and really tested Exmouth's defensive qualities to the limit. Exmouth used their forwards to end any thoughts by Sidmouth of snatching a win when Jim Pallister crashed over. Bramble converted. The final try was scored by second-row Richard Baharrel, who received the ball just outside the 22 and bowled through the Sidmouth defence as if they were skittles!The Nomads face Torquay Quins this Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash in Devon Merit Table Two.l Exmouth 1st XV are at home to Torquay Athletic this Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash in South West Two West.Sidmouth Colts 23pts, Exmouth 0A slow start by Exmouth allowed Sidmouth to notch up an unassailable half-time lead of 16-0 on a heavy pitch.The second half saw glimpses of what this talented Exmouth side can produce as they went close to breaking through the Sidmouth line with strong running by Man of the Match Terry Mears. The Sidmouth defence was just too good and kept the line intact.It was disappointing to see further additions to the Exmouth injury list with Harry Cozens twisting a knee at the first ruck - from the kick off - followed by James Tapp (back) - Lewis Vaughan (cut head) and Sam Reid (shoulder).During the first half the Sidmouth side were by far the stronger and must be disappointed that their dominance only resulted in one converted try and two penalities. The second half saw Exmouth step up a gear and the game was more evenly balanced. Exmouth started winning ball and kept their lines clear until late in the game when Sidmouth crossed for another convereted try.With time running out, Mears made several strong runs and broke the initial line. Good cover by Sidmouth prevented any further development of their play, resulting in an unusual blank scoreline for Exmouth.This young side are still contenders for the title and the maturity of the more experienced players is begining to show.Adam Morris captained the side and was equally firm with his constructive critisicm and praise. The next few months will see a merit table match almost every week and the glimpse of what they can do - with a much more assertive start - holds the promise of a tight end to the season.