Clean sweep for Barnstaple RFC

It was another top weekend on the pitch for Barnstaple Rugby Club, as all four teams recorded impressive victories.

Barnstaple Chiefs made light work of a tricky trip to Exmouth, beating the home side 26-3 in a dominant display and there was a thriller at home, where Barnstaple Athletic defeated Devonport Services 2nds.

The Buccaneers beat Ilfracombe 53-26 in a high-scoring derby and the Colts defended superbly to defeat Devonport 17-0.

Bideford were thumped 64-23 at improving Paignton, and a weakened Tavistock side were pipped 36-36 at Pirates Amateurs – two bonus points to ease the pain of that defeat.

Torquay Athletic are still five points clear at the top of Counties Two Devon after winning 29-12 at OPMs.

Services 2nds are second, despite losing 24-29 at Barnstaple 2nds, who are upwardly mobile in fourth place.

South Molton (3rd) earned an important home win, 24-17 over Withycombe.

It’s a good idea for Okehampton rugby supporters to leave before the end, and their 1st XV was involved in another nail-biting finish before pulling off a surprise 20-15 win at previously unbeaten SW Regional One leaders Launceston.

The Okes had earned their first win of the campaign by winning a last-minute lineout to beat Ivybridge the weekend before.