Barum and Okes shaping up for title fight

Barnstaple’s serious promotion contenders and Okehampton on a roll – that’s the message from the latest round of the Tribute South West Rugby League.

The first weekend ‘break’ of the season did neither Barum nor the Okes any harm, as they recorded impressive wins over Ivybridge and Lydney respectively.

Barnstaple thumped Ivybridge 55-7 at Pottington Road, with Ryan Lee, Dan Johnson (2), Kyran McManus, Cameron Johnson (2), Brandon Johnson (2) and Ben Beattie all scoring tries.

They’re now two points behind leaders Chew Valley in third place ahead of a key game at Launceston (2nd) this Saturday.

Okehampton’s slow start appears to be well behind them – they earned their third successive victory when they beat Lydney 36-10 at the Showground. The visitors actually led 10-3 at one stage in the first half, when the Okes played up the slope.

But in a match which saw both sides lose players to cards – Dean Abrams’ dismissal for the hosts looked a harsh one – Luke Simmons emerged as the stand-out player.

Simmons scored two tries and kicked 14 more points, with hooker Jake Shin also crossing for the bonus-point score and Kieran Lee adding a conversion.

And an excellent day was also marked by the return to action after a three-year absence of centre Rhys Palmer. Okehampton travel to Gloucestershire to face promoted Matson this weekend.

The Regional Two Division is shaping up as a real scrap, with three points covering the top four sides – Wadebridge Camels 25pts, Crediton 24, Sidmouth 24 and Cullompton 22.

Crediton pipped Cullompton 24-22 in a nail-biting derby at Blagdon, and they have a chance of going top this Saturday if they can win at inconsistent Newton Abbot and improving Teignmouth can upset Wadebridge at home.

Hats off to Tavistock, who marked Andrew Schuttkacker’s 250th appearance by inflicting a first defeat (27-26) on Western West leaders Plymstock Albion Oaks. Schuttkacker, George Hillson (2) and Conor Packwood all scored tries for Tavvy, who are up to fourth.

In another tight finish at Bolham Road, Tiverton edged Pirates Amateurs 15-14, while Bideford lost 12-28 at home to St Ives.

Other results: Cos Two Devon – Devonport Services II 13 South Molton 10, Exmouth II 7 Barnstaple II 43, Honiton 46 North Tawton 13, Ivybridge II 10 Withycombe 52, Torquay Athletic 101 Plymouth Argaum 0; Cos Three NE – Cullompton II 22 New Cross 26, Teignmouth II 31 Tiverton II 7, Topsham II 41 Okehampton II 5, Torrington 7 Crediton II 64; SW – Old Technicians 29 Tavistock II 22.