IVYBRIDGE look in good shape for their South West Two starter against Tiverton if a 26-14 win over Sidmouth is anything to go by.

As the Bridge play in a rung below Sidmouth on the league ladder, the result indicated pre-season preparations have gone well.

There were two tries for Aaron Williams and one each for James Cantin and Joe Owen, Harry Newman-Wild was three from four off the tee.

Steve Atkinson, the Ivybridge coach, said being stretched by a side from the next division up was a good thing for the squad.

“Obviously pleased with the win, but happier that we managed to get a game together for most of the lads who will be in and around the 1st XV this year,” said Atkinson.

“It was good for the young lads to experience a team that plays at level five as that’s what most of the lads want to achieve within the next few years.”

Atkinson said the learning gains were mainly in and around the breakdown area.

“I think Sidmouth realised that we wanted to throw the ball around a bit and play some expansive rugby and they slowed it down at ruck time,” said Atkinson.

“Collisions were much bigger and the clear-out at ruck time was a lot different than most of them have experienced.

“It was a really good learning day for most of our lads.”

Meanwhile, Tavistock’s last action before facing Honiton in their Devon One curtain raiser was in a three-handed mini-festival with Plymouth Argaum and Devonport Pilgrims.

Game time was the name of the game for Tavistock coach Leigh Puttock, whose side lost 19-0 to the Pilgrims then defeated Argaum by the same margin.

Chris Watts (2) and Oliver James were Tavistock’s try scorers against Argaum. Freddie Fuller added the conversions.