In a spirited rugby match, Sidmouth Chiefs lost 30-19 to Exmouth.
Despite their promising performance, Sidmouth's lack of tactical sharpness especially in wet conditions might have cost them the match.
They started well but let Exmouth hasten the lead.
From the back of a lineout maul 10 metres out, the scrum half worked a scissors with the inside centre who cut through a gap to touch down for a converted try.
Sidmouth quickly retaliated; Tom Hodge sprinted past the line from close range, although this try was unconverted.
Sidmouth continued their commanding territorial hold with Josh Bess's impressive lineout possession and Phil Dollman's control as fly-half.
Shaun Malton then led Sidmouth ahead with a converted try, with a scoreline of 12-7 at halftime.
Post-break, Sidmouth's fortunes took a hit when Bess left due to a head injury.
Ten minutes after the break, Exmouth narrowed the margin with a penalty by the fly-half.
With Sidmouth's scrum increasingly pressured, Exmouth progressed to take charge.
A second penalty and a converted five-metre scrum try by Exmouth's number eight tilted the game in their favour.
Despite falling behind, the Chiefs maintained their courage.
A third try scored by Shaun Malton signified their fighting spirit, and Jake Smith’s conversion completed Sidmouth's final score.
But the decisive element was Exmouth's interception try by their left winger.
On the coming Saturday, Sidmouth Chiefs will travel to challenge Ivybridge.
Meanwhile, the Quins are set to welcome Okehampton 2nds at 3pm on the Blackmore Field, the Colts will face Newton Abbot, and on Friday evening, the Over 35s will play against the Looseheadz XV at 6pm.
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