First day rugby wins for Barnstaple and Bideford

The new rugby season is underway and Barnstaple Chiefs have started with a statement.

Barum delivered some scintillating rugby, running in eight tries, as they dismantled Weston-super-Mare 57-14 in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Pottington Road. Jake Murphy picked up the first man of the match award of the new season for a towering display.

Barnstaple Athletic were involved in a proper tussle at Plymouth Argaum and will feel very unlucky to come home with a 29-24 defeat, but the Buccaneers proved too strong for Ilfracombe, winning 3-17 in the local derby. Barnstaple Colts, unfortunately, suffered a heavy defeat at Ivybridge.

Bideford’s new campaign in the Western Counties League started with the tightest of victories over Bude, 22-21 in front of another bumper crowd.

Bideford started brightly but were hit by a suckerpunch try from Bude, punishing a mistake to lead 7-0. The hosts rallied again and scored through Alex Hillman to just trail by two points at the half-time interval.

Bude scored again to extend their lead to 14-5 but Hillman was enjoying a top afternoon, diving over for his second try before a driving maul set up Brodi Wilson to score in the corner, and Bideford had their noses in front at 15-14.

Replacement Sam griffin crossed the line for a crucial score, which they needed, as Bude also crossed again to make it 22-21. Bideford had to defend stoutly in the closing stages to seal a terrific win.

Team manager Bradley Goaman said: “We started well but Bude caught us off guard to score first. Dean Folland was introduced at half time after a year away from rugby and looked very dangerous with ball in hand. We had a lot more energy second half and played some decent rugby in the correct areas of the pitch.”

Will Thorne took the man of the match plaudits for South Molton, as they secured an excellent 26-20 victory at OPM but Torrington endured a tough baptism in the sun of Sidmouth 2nds, going down to a 47-12 defeat.