Barnstaple Chiefs overpowered at Luctonians

Barnstaple Chiefs suffered a first-half onslaught that they were unable to withstand, as they conceded four unanswered tries at Luctonians.

The Chiefs rallied well after the break but the damage had been done, and there was no argument with a 45-17 victory for the home side.

Josh Watkins crossed for the opening score on 12 minutes but the Chiefs did get on the score sheet when Jacob Murphy slotted a penalty, but that was unfortunately the only impression Barnstaple could make in the opening 40 minutes.

James Wheeler added a converted try for Luctonians and they scored two more in a dominant period, Rob Aikman and Aiden Cheshire crossing the line.

Barnstaple had to make a better impression after the break and Murphy delivered within a minute, dotting down for a try that he then converted. Luctonians, however, responded with two more of their own to lead 38-10.

The Chiefs grabbed a further consolation from Tom Clark before a late Louis Silver score underlined the home side’s control of the game.

Barnstaple Buccaneers ran in an extraordinary 19 tries in a devastating 120-5 victory over Tiverton Athletic, while the Barum 2nds also recorded a superb win, beating league leaders Tavistock 26-10.

Will Brown and Aidy Guppy both scored tries for Torrington in a brave effort at Exeter Athletic, where the North Devon side, severely depleted by injury and illness, eventually suffered a 45-12 defeat.

South Molton played a double header against Honiton Rugby Club and it was a share of the spoils, as the first-team secured an excellent 23-12 victory but the 2nds went down 45-21.

On the professional scene, Exeter Chiefs demolished Sale Sharks 46-3 to cruise into the Premiership Rugby Cup Final, where they will take on London Irish on March 19.

Three tries in the space of just eight minutes effectively confirmed the win for Chiefs. They led 24-3 at half-time and the superiority continued in the second half, as the Chiefs crossed for three more.