Late penalty breaks Bideford rugby hearts

A last-gasp penalty proved a suckerpunch to the Bideford Chiefs, as they went down to a 21-18 defeat at Wiveliscombe in a tight affair.

The hosts scored after five minutes to lead 7-0 before, on 25 minutes, Bideford hit back with a well-worked try for in-form winger Harry Bloodworth to score in the corner. Just before the break, the hosts scored again under the posts with the conversion to lead 12-5. Two more penalties extended the Wiveliscombe lead to 18-5.

The Chiefs rallied superbly to strike back with tries from Reece Pearn, converted by Joe Faulkner, and then Harry Bloodworth scored out wide to set up a tense final two minutes. Faulkner had the conversion to take the lead but unfortunately hit the post.

In the last play of the match, the hosts had a penalty to win the game and slotted for a 21-18 triumph, and a heartbreaker for the Chiefs.

“We are extremely disappointed to lose the game, the players give it everything out there,” said Bideford manager Bradley Goaman.

“We had many opportunities to win the game, but handling errors again cost us. The line-out was good but our scrum came under pressure in the second half. 

“Our discipline was good in most parts but it's hurting us at critical moments at this point in time.

We are going through a tough period at the moment but it will turn around and we will appreciate the good times even more when they come because they are not too far away.

“The group are all very positive. James Starkey had a decent game at hooker after 12 months away from not playing. Alex Priest, again, and Harry Bloodworth caught the eye.”

Bideford Quins enjoyed a fine 36-5 win over Topsham, while South Molton defeated Exeter Saracens 14-0 and their Colts trounced Tavistock 60-5. Torrington RFC are enduring a tough spell of injuries, forcing them to cancel their trip to Tiverton and Ilfracombe saw their game at Exeter Saracens postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.