A disappointing start cost the Chiefs dearly in the Devon Senior Cup qualifying group match at home to Ivybridge, as Sidmouth eventually went down to a 29-19 defeat.

A lack of cohesion and defensive errors gifted Ivybridge three tries in the opening 15 minutes. Tackles were missed, leading to gaps and three tries all scored by the right winger with simple overlaps.

When the Chiefs eventually got into the game, they enjoyed territorial advantage for much of the remainder of the half. Scoring chances were created but missed due to handling errors.

The opening try, when it eventually came, was the result of opportunism rather than creativity. When Ivybridge dropped the ball on the Sidmouth 22, Sam Heatcote scooped it up and outpaced the cover to touch down under the posts. Cole Monaghan added the conversion.

Just before half-time, the Ivybridge scrum half scored on the blindside of a ruck after the ball had been progressed through many phases. The conversion made the score 7-24 at the break.

Three minutes after the restart, the lead was increased when a break through the centre from a scrum inside the Sidmouth 22 produced an unconverted try.

The Chiefs responded a few minutes later with an excellent handling move following a lineout to send Sam Heathcote sprinting over for a second try.

The Chiefs continued to show better cohesion and teamwork for the remainder of the game and added a third try when Heathcote completed a hat-trick after backs and forwards combined through several phases to create an overlap on the right. The conversion completed the scoring.

On Saturday, the Chiefs travel to Crediton for another Devon Senior Cup match. The Quins are also at Crediton for a Devon 2nd Team cup match. On the Blackmore Field, the Colts entertain Withycombe, kicking off at 3pm.

Sidmouth U14s also took on an Ivybridge in the Devon Cup Final. Despite a valiant display from the Sidmouth youngsters, the Ivies lifted the trophy with a 31-12 win.

The U12 boys produced a dominant display to overpower visiting Thornbury by ten tries to one. The club is always on the lookout for new players to join the brilliant Under-12s. Please check Sidmouth RFC Juniors website for details.