Barum batter their way to Devon Senior Cup victory

Barnstaple RFC are Devon Senior Cup champions after a dominant 63-12 victory over Sidmouth at Pottington Road.

Barum were exemplary in all departments, racing into an early lead with tries from Bertie Stretch, Brandon Moore, and Stretch again. Tyler Gordon-Oke, who had already slotted two conversions, then added a try of his own and the subsequent kick was sent through the posts.

The 26-0 lead at half-time looked impregnable but Sidmouth did give themselves some hope with a converted score from Haydon Down. A penalty from Gordon-Oke restored Barum’s momentum, and it felt like job done when Jake Murphy crossed to extend the lead to 34-7.

The irrepressible Stretch added two more scores, taking his personal try tally to four, with Murphy now on kicking duties. Alex Penny was next to cross before a Sam Heathcote consolation for the beleaguered visitors. The final word came from Callum Morgan scoring for Barum to complete an outstanding triumph.

Thoughts now turn to a thrilling climax in the league, with two more bonus-point wins needed to guarantee the title and promotion for Barnstaple RFC.

On Saturday, Bideford RFC Ladies celebrated 30 years since their formation in 1995 with a charity game against Bideford RFC Ladies Vets. All proceeds from the game going to Breast Cancer Now.

The photo shows Sarah-Jane Palmer on route to score her second try of the game. Sarah-Jane was one of the founder members of Bideford RFC Ladies and is currently Head of Junior Girls (School Years 7 to 10), Vixens (Under 18 Ladies School Years 11 to 13) and Senior Ladies at the club.