Rugby season starts with a win for Barum

The new season began with an excellent 29-14 victory for Barnstaple Chiefs at St Austell but the news was not so bright for Barnstaple Athletic, who fought bravely before slipping to a 22-31 loss at home to Pirates Amateurs.

Barnstaple Buccaneers enjoyed a superb day of rugby against Raleigh RFC, a touring team from the United States, with the visitors just edging a terrific game 24-19. The Barum Colts turned on the style in dismantling Topsham with a 26-3 triumph.

Bideford RFC opened their campaign with a tough trip to Paignton, who showed why they are one of the fancied teams this season with a 32-21 victory, although the Chiefs can be more than pleased with their overall display.

Bideford Quins enjoyed the comforts of home with a 61-7 thrashing of Exmouth 3rds but the Colts were undone at Torquay.

It was a low-scoring affair at Donnacroft, where Torrington welcomed Crediton in the Devon Merit NE Division. The positives for Torrington were defending their try line but Creddy still slotted four penalties to win 12-5. A local derby with Barnstaple awaits this weekend.

South Molton began their season with a battling 29-21 win over newly promoted Topsham 2nds, Jordan Murray picking up the Player of the Match award.

Ilfracombe RFC will get their new season underway with a visit from Bideford 2nds on Saturday and it already looks like another thrilling rollercoaster ride for North Devon clubs, let’s hope the wet weather is not as bad as the pitches endured last season.