In what was always going to be a close fought match Cully managed to sleepwalk through the first 6 minutes and Sidmouth took full advantage scoring 2 tries for a 0 – 12 lead although yours truly was also asleep and gave those 12 points to Cully on the scoreboard. I corrected my error after our chairman pointed out I was a wally. Regardless Cully woke up finally and took themselves off to the Sidmouth end of the pitch and after some good pressure had scrum on the Sidmouth 5 metre after 12 minutes. Jacob Broom scored the try that was that most wonderful of things a push over try from the scrum. 7 – 12. Sidmouth tried to put us under pressure but our defence was good so Sidmouth had to settle for 3 points from a midfield penalty. 7 – 15. Cully responded with a try from Jacob Brooks after many pick and goes and a beauty from Tegan Furner who cut a line through the Sidmouth defence on half way to score to the left of the posts. 21 – 15. With 10 minutes left Sidmouth were playing the better rugby and scored again. This time a try. 21 – 22 Both teams pushed hard for a try before half time but neither succeeded.

The second half was enthralling as play flowed up and down the pitch. Cully scoring 2 quick penalties for 21 – 22. On 57 minutes A cross field kick put Jason Johns clear through but as he went to put the ball down the Sidmouth winger slid under him to strip the ball. It could only happen to Johnsie. It didn’t matter. 2 minutes later Dom Tuckett went over from close range for 32 – 22. As the game was coming to a close Dev Welch broke from our 10 metre line and streaked off to the corner to score. 39 – 22. Cully thought they had done enough but there was still time for a final try from Sidmouth for 39 – 22.

Overall the boys played well with the scrum giving us a solid base all afternoon and denying Sidmouth that as a platform. Hopefully we will have another home tie in the semi final.