Bideford Chiefs suffer battling loss in Penzance

Bideford Rugby’s losing streak continued after going down 48-20 to the Pirates Amateurs on Saturday.

The hosts opened the scoring after 10 minutes to go 5-0 up and then midway through the first half, they went further ahead, 12-0.

Bideford responded with a Fraser Priest try but the hosts struck again with further tries. Two tries from Dean Folland reduced the arrears to 33-15 at half-time.

The second half was a very open game with both sides running the ball from all areas of the pitch with more tries from the hosts, but a driving maul from Bideford on 65 minutes was scored by Richard Weston to take a point back to North Devon.

Bideford manager Bradley Goaman said: “We are disappointed to lose the game but take encouragement from a lot of positives. We lost Mark Schofield early on with an injury and it looks like he could be out for a while, so we had to change the back line.

“The scoreline does not reflect the game. I’m very proud of the guys, they came out firing and the hosts were coming at us. We had a lot of energy and our defence was a big improvement.

“We conceded a couple of soft penalties, which they scored from tough calls. They are a dangerous side and fair play to the hosts, it is always a tough place to play rugby at Penzance. The guys never gave up and deserved a point away from home. 

“Dean Folland again was outstanding, with Fraser Priest and Joe Faulkner catching the eye.”