BUSY BOY: Stefan James set up one try and kicked the goals in Bideford's win over Devonport Services. (Pic www.platinumimages.uk.com)

BARNSTAPLE got over a stammering start to beat Amersham 35-7 in National Three South West

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Amersham were ahead after 19 minutes thanks to a run-over try by Dave Skelton that Rhys Keith converted.

Barum pulled back two Luke Berry penalties in the 28th and 38th minutes but were behind until first-half stoppage time when referee Sara Cox awarded them a penalty try.

Berry converted for a 13-7 half time lead and Barum never looked back in the second half.

Berry popped over a third try then converted a debut try by James Comber, the former Cheltenham No.8 Barnstaple signed from Bude earlier this week.

Along came another penalty try, Berry converting, then a try for Berry to wrap things up.

Amersham’s cause wasn’t helped by two sin-binnings, which meant they played a man short for 20 minutes.

“Outside, Amersham were just as good and well organised as we were – up front they were appalling,” said Barnstaple’s director of rugby Kevin Squire.

“It was a real struggle for them in the scrums, which is how we came to have two penalty tries awarded as well as a push-over for James Comber.

“In the line-outs we took all our own ball and most of theirs. That sort of dominance made it easy for us.

“We probably should have won by a few more. But I will take all five points from a game against the side who were directly below us”

Barum are away to Avonmouth Old Boys this Saturday, where they will run into former player Joe Wearne, who now works in Bristol.

The Barnstaple travelling party will include lock Ian Thatcher, who has rejoined from South Molton.

Barum need cover in the second row as Tom Skelding looks like being on the long-term injury list.

l BIDEFORD’S assault on the Cornwall & Devon Division promotion places continued with a 33-15 win at Devonport Services which keeps them second in the table

Bideford had victory wrapped up long before Services scored two tries in the last 10 minutes.

Matt Anstis had kicked Services into a first-minute lead with a penalty, but it wasn’t lon before James Buckland winged in the try that put Bideford ahead.

Sam Olde then scored two in a row as Bideford took a grip on the game.

Olde ran down a Stefan James kick for the first then took an offload pass for the second, which James converted.

A push-over try credited to Simon Bright rounded off a good half for Bideford.

The second half was scoreless until Andy Loosemore’s break put Bright in again.

Pat Sanders kicked a penalty that put Bideford 30 points clear.

With the game won and lost Pete Farrow emerged from a goal-line melee with a try for Services. Two minutes from time lock John Mellor charged over to score.

Bideford are at home to Exeter Saracens this Saturday.

l TORRINGTON warmed up after the Christmas break with a 20-18 win over North Tawton in game which saw nine yellow cards brandished by the referee!

Torrie 2nd XV are due to entertain Barnstaple 3rd XV in a Devon Merit Table game.

l SOUTH Molton and Ilfracombe had no 1st XV games last Saturday. Molton met Torrington at 2nd XV level and beat them 18-3.

South Molton entertain Dartmouth this Saturday in the Devon Junior Cup while Torrington are away to Buckfastleigh in the same competition.