Barum beaten in top-of-the-table clash

Barnstaple RFC suffered a blow to their title ambitions with a 23-12 defeat at Devonport Services.

Brandon Moore and Will Topps crossed the line for Barum but credit to Devonport, who played some excellent rugby on the day.

The Barnstaple Athletic game against Withycombe was cancelled but there was better news for the Buccaneers, who beat South Molton 2nds 43-20 in an entertaining North Devon derby. The Chiefs have a tough game at home to Exmouth this weekend.

Torrington battled valiantly at high flying New Cross RFC before going down to a 43-14 defeat, while the South Molton v Ivybridge clash fell foul of the weather.

Bideford made the tricky trip to Kingsbridge and, despite an excellent effort on a crisp afternoon, the home side proved too strong, winning 43-15. Bideford Ladies fought bravely before going down to a loss at Launceston in their first game of the New Year.