Rain at the right time for local rugby

Last Saturday’s torrential rain turned into pretty good timing for the Tribute South West Rugby League.

Exeter Chiefs’ ‘hybrid’ pitch at Sandy Park may have ensured business as usual – and how they took advantage with that 43-0 demolition of Sale.

But the weather must have threatened many other grassroots fixtures, so it was a good job that the SWL took its second seasonal break.

Hostilities are resumed this Saturday, and nowhere are things tighter than in Regional Two where three points separate the top six sides, headed by Wadebridge Camels, Crediton and Sidmouth all on 29pts.

Crediton welcome North Petherton, two points behind, to Blagdon, while Sidmouth go to Chard.

Cullompton will fancy their chances of beating Newton Abbot in front of their own supporters, while Topsham (7th) travel to Wadebridge.

It’s a question of who can catch Chew Valley in Regional One.

The Avon side may be only two points clear of Launceston, but they are looking ominously consistent and they should beat lowly Ivybridge at home.Barnstaple, whose surge up the table was slowed by Launceston ten days ago, are right there in fourth place – they entertain Lydney (5th) at Pottington Road.

Launceston go to Brixham and, having lost at Matson last time out, Okehampton will hope to improve their away form at Weston-super-Mare.

This Saturday’s league fixtures include: Reg One – Barnstaple v Lydney (2pm), Weston-super-Mare v Okehampton, Devonport Services v Exmouth; Reg Two – Crediton v North Petherton (2.30pm), Cullompton v Newton Abbot, Wadebridge Camels v Topsham, Chard v Sidmouth; Cos One WW – Tiverton v Wiveliscombe, Bideford v Plymstock Albion Oaks, Bude v Tavistock; Cos Two Devon – Exeter Saracens v Barnstaple II, Honiton v Plymouth Argaum, North Tawton v OPMs, Torquay Athletic v South Molton, Exmouth II v Withycombe; Cos Three SW – Tavistock II v Plympton Victoria; NE – Newton Abbot II v Crediton II, Okehampton II v Tiverton II, Sidmouth II v New Cross, Torrington v Cullompton II, Teignmouth II v Exeter Athletic.