There are certain fixtures you look forward to - either because of a rivalry or because maybe you just enjoy that challenge that team presents. And Sidmouth are both! Withycombe knew that playing against their local rivals would be tough but would also be great fun!!

As the crowd gathered at the Sidbury pitches some of the team had a slight detour to the main town ground (Assumption is the mother of all.......) expectation was high. Some great progress has been made by the U9s this year - the first year of contact has seen some ups and downs!!! With some notable absentees from the Sidmouth game Withy still fielded a very strong side. 11 of our finest took the field and proceeded to play 3 games back to back.

And they were 3 of the most enjoyable games of the season I sure you'll all agree. Both teams evenly matched too.

Game 1 saw Sidmouth take the early initiative with some hearty tackling all-round by the home side. Withy just could not seem to break them down and some handling errors say regular turnovers before Sidmouth opened the scoring with 3 unanswered tries. The Withy side were clearly still finding their feet on the sticky pitch and gradually came back into the game. Ollie R was unlucky not to score a breakaway try down the wing, again foiled by strong Sidmouth Defence, and Ruben with also unlucky not to score. Sam was constantly ducking and diving through the defence but Sidmouth held out for a deserved victory.

Games 2 was a much more even affair with Withy starting to find some rhythm. A fresh Sidmouth side presented a different challenge with a more expansive game thus giving Withy a little more room to work with. However Withy's defence needed to be a notch up from game one - and this it was. There was some absolutely superb defensive work undertaken by Evan in particular who was simply on fire with his tackling.....a massive well done to him for turning into a tackle dervish!! Additionally Withy got the ball moving and suddenly Ryan found his power and running legs and burst into the game....Fantastic to see! Sam and Ruben again got involved at every opportunity to keep the Withy charge going - and eventually a breakthrough as Ollie scythed through the Sidmouth defence to score! Great Play! Further tries saw Withy take the upper hand.....Charlie C once again taking up the reigns in the centre and demonstrating why he is becoming a leading attacking force. A superb effort in game 2 - Honours even??

Game 3 saw yet another fresh set of Sidmouth legs take the field. But by now Withy were firmly in their stride - everyone getting stuck in. Harry W showed how his tackling has really improved by getting the defensive up line quickly, and ensuring the ball was always recycled nicely, Tom doing exactly the same - sometimes double teaming on the tackles to help bring the bigger Sidmouth players to a standstill. Very well done both of you guys. Luke also came more into game 3 - seemingly taking charge of that centre position and ensuring the ball was moving down the line.....great stuff Luke - let's have more of the same in the second half of the season. Again the tries started to flow - Charlie getting across the line, as did Evan and Ollie R picking up a brace with some superb line breaks. In fact it was unlucky not to be more. But the most exceptional performance of the day went to Will D. In the same vein as Evan, Will was tireless in his tackling - the 2 of them forming the core of our defensive line.....goodness knows what we will be like when all our injuries are fixed - a brick wall I think!!!

The play of the day came as Sidmouth, deep in their half, were trying to gain territory by moving the ball wide. Several phases with no progress saw them pinned back, until an attempted breach of the Withy defensive line saw Will perform a tackle Jona Lomu would have been proud of. Because of the excellent coaching Will has received this year (Ed?!!) his technique was perfect and no injuries were sustained by either player - but lets just say the tackle was heard in Exmouth!! The resultant turnover saw Withy score a brilliant try in the corner - although cant remember by who!!

A massive thank you again to Dave and the Sidmouth Coaching staff for a great fixture - we look forward to showing you some good old Withy hospitality at our place next year.......

A great end to the season - everyone can be very proud of their efforts and progress so far!!

Our man of the match went to Ryan HC - lets see some more of that power next half of the season!!
Play of the Day - Will D for "The Cruncher" as we now know it!! Well done Will.

Have a fantastic festive break everyone and see you in January!

Best wishes,

Coach Neil, Coach Bill, Coach Warren and Coach Scott.