South West 1 West

Sidmouth 45, Bridgwater & Albion 25

ALBION’S exemplary discipline record took a hit at the weekend as both Roger Drabble and Garryn Basson were shown red cards in their defeat at Sidmouth on Saturday, writes Tony Pomeroy.

After only three minutes, Sidmouth opened the scoring with a converted try and then, straight from the kick-off, they almost scored again but Nick Francis’ superb try-saving tackle kept them at bay until the next phase when Whelcan cruised over.

Ashley Pippard narrowed the gap with a simple penalty that was scant reward for the visitors following a period of pressure.

The third Sidmouth try came after 11 minutes and Bridgwater were once again guilty of too much aimless kicking as Sidmouth invariably ran the ball back at them putting the visitors under pressure.

Pippard scored his second penalty but a fourth Sidmouth try put Albion firmly on the back foot.

Bridgwater came into the game following a superb break by Gavin Knight, who had replaced Matt Ruddle at loose-head prop, and the ball was recycled to Garryn Basson on the wing who scored in the corner. Pippard’s conversion was just short.

But Sidmouth scored again to take a 35-11 halftime lead with a good individual try and conversion.

Now playing downhill and with the wind, Bridgwater dominated the second period.

After an infringement from Sidmouth, Bridgwater kicked the penalty to touch, won the lineout and saw Matt Hastie wriggle over in the corner and Pippared duly added the extras.

Knight broke away from 40 metres out but, when it looked as if he was certain to score, he tripped in front of the posts.

But Rob Thompson made amends moments later when he barged his way over, the try converted by Owens.

Bridgwater were now ten points behind but the game became fractious with Drabble and Basson seeing red cards and Sidmouth scored a further ten points before the final whistle.

Albion: Nick Francis, Garryn Basson, James Brakes, Ollie Dunn, Toby Payne, shley Pippard, Dominik Griffin, Matt Ruddle, Matt Hastie, James Bryant, Matt Northey, Rob Thompson, Joe Stradling, Luke De Sylva, Dan Kemmish (capt). Replacements (all used): Gavin Knight, Roger Drabble, Rhys Owens.

Next week, Bridgwater are home to Paignton. Kick-off is 3pm.