Report courtesy of the Herald Express

Tics upbeat despite losing to Retter's late drop-goal
Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:57

Torquay Athletic 23pts, Sidmouth 25
South West One West
TORQUAY won't shirk from the challenge of dodging the drop despite this last-gasp defeat which leaves them four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table.
The game had moved into time added on when Sidmouth stand-off Dan Retter stroked over a drop goal to put his side ahead when it mattered.
Torquay have two teams below them – Yatton and St Mary's Old Boys – both of whom they still have to play. A double date with Yatton – away next week, home on March 20 – looks critical for the Tics' prospects.

Mike McDonald, Torquay's director of rugby, said he and the team were gutted to have lost in the way they did having been ahead for most of the match.
The priority now is not to dwell long on games lost, but look ahead to games which need to be won.
"This defeat was hard to take as we had almost total control up front and left Sidmouth living off scraps from the scrums and the line-outs," said McDonald.
"What we have to do know is pick ourselves up and get ready for Yatton this Saturday. There are seven games to play and the ones against Yatton and St Mary' are absolutely vital for us.
"No way will this team give up as we have plenty to play for. We have to battle for every point we can get.
"Our first task is to get in front of Ivybridge. Looking at their run-in I am glad we haven't got it ourselves as it is harder, on paper.
"Every game is huge for us from now on. We have to make the best of each one."
Torquay followers will look back at a couple of missed penalties by Luke Bettesworth – he kicked harder ones – and the loss of James Wood just before half time with a dead leg as crucial.
One the plus side lock Andy Knight got on the park for the first time in nearly five months when he replaced the injured Chris Dorling.
"It was great to see Andy back, but we will have to wait and see if he has any reaction from his foot problem before welcoming him back full time," said McDonald.
Retter popped over two early penalties for Sidmouth, but Torquay were soon 10-6 up thanks to the Bettesworth boys. Paul Bettesworth scored a try on the chase which was converted by cousin Luke, who also dropped a goal.
Simeon Lewry dashed up the tramlines for a Sidmouth try and a 10-11 lead. Luke Bettesworth knocked over another penalty them converted a Russ Morris try as the Tics went 20-11 up.
Ding-dong it went with Retter converting a penalty and Andy Dare plunging in for a try which left a point in it.
Luke Bettesworth and Retter swapped penalties in quick succession before Retter's winning drop-goal sailed over.
It was Sidmouth's third win on the reel during a run that has seen them overhaul Torquay and go five points in front of them. Skipper Steve Trim admitted afterwards he was relieved.
"With four minutes to go it looked a bit shaky, but we came through," said Trim.
"More than once this season we have had victory snatched from us in the last few minutes – Torquay did it at our place – so we were due some good fortune.
"We have taken the pressure of ourselves now and out to play with more confidence in our remaining games, which improves our chances of winning a few more."