Brilliant Barum win but Biddy are beaten

Barnstaple enjoyed a rampant afternoon of try scoring, as they comfortably dismissed Devonport Services with a resounding 41-16 victory.

The Barum tries were scored by Ashlee Crouch, Brandon Moore (2), Daniel Johnson, Ross Swales and Sam Roberts. Kyran McManus did the job with the boot.

Barnstaple Buccaneers beat Bideford 2nds 32-12 and there was a thrilling victory for Barum Athletic at Withycombe, where they beat the in-form hosts 31-27. Barnstaple were outstanding in the first half at Withycombe and deservedly led 17-3 but they then had to hold off a rousing home fightback before sealing the win by a narrow margin.

Bideford came up short against visiting Kingsbridge, losing 27-17. Alex Hillman gave the Chiefs an early lead with a lovely finish and there was only one other score in a tight first period, Kingsbridge slotting a penalty.

The visitors went in front early in the second period but Bideford responded with a try from Alex Priest, Joe Faulkner adding the extra points.

Despite dominating the game, Bideford were rocked by a breakaway try to lead 20-12. Alex McMillan reduced the arrears to three points with a converted try in the final ten minutes but Kingsbridge sealed their victory from a driving maul.

“As a group and as a team, we knew coming into this game we had to be better than our previous game in all areas,” said Bideford boss Bradley Goaman. “We knew Kingsbridge were going to bring it to us and they did.

“Alex Priest and Fraser Priest both had yellow cards in the game, which were mind-blowing. We are conceding miles too many penalties and that is killing us.

 “We had plenty of opportunities to score tries and need to be more ruthless. The boys worked hard and kept going, so credit to them. Dean Folland plays at full throttle and was man of match, while Alex Priest and Reece Pearn put in a shift and caught the eye.”

Torrington fought valiantly before going down to a 33-20 at home to New Cross and South Molton enjoyed an excellent 29-13 win at Ivybridge.