Barnstaple Chiefs set up top-of-the-table showdown

Barnstaple Chiefs delivered an electric display of attacking rugby to overpower Chew Valley with a 57-12 victory to move within three points of leaders Exmouth in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division.

The Chiefs remain unbeaten, with two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures, and other 100 points scored sets up a tantalising tie at Exmouth this weekend. Barum are back at home for the visit of Ivybridge on October 12.

Barnstaple Athletic travelled away to Wiveliscombe and came home with a 20-7 to move up to fifth in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West, with struggling St Ives the visitors on Saturday.

Barnstaple Buccaneers made it a hat-trick of victories with a dominant 52-19 success at Topsham 3rds. The Buccs travel to bottom club Exmouth 3rds this weekend and a win could see them leapfrog leaders Bideford 2nds, who defeated Crediton 3rds 29-19 on Saturday.

It has been a tough start to the season for Bideford Chiefs, who are second from bottom in the same division as Barnstaple Athletic. Bideford went down to a 36-14 defeat at Tavistock but their next outing, a trip to Redruth 2nds on October 5, could be a massive opportunity to turn their fortunes around.

South Molton slipped to a 13-38 loss against Exeter Saracens Counties 2 Devon League, a division currently dominated by Torquay Rugby Club. There was no game for South Molton 2nds but they are back in action at home to Tiverton 2nds on Saturday, both teams seeking their first win of the season.

In the Devon Merit NE division, Ilfracombe maintained their 100% record with a 53-9 trouncing of Tiverton Athletic, Max Davies scoring an amazing four tries alongside a hat-trick from Ellis Rees.

The weekend home game for Bideford RFC Ladies against Helston was sadly due to injuries in the visiting camp but we did receive a fantastic report from coach Jason Gubb on their recent clash with Topsham.

‘Bideford showed the same dominant display throughout the game up front which allowed for a turn over. They jumped off the mark very quick, which with some solid runs and good hands, eventually saw prolific try scorer Ruth Boundy (who ran some fantastic lines all game!) cut through the Topsham defence to dot down.

Bideford then set a trend of some of the worst kick off structure they’ve ever played, Topsham punishing with a try of their own.

Bideford showed some hard tackling whilst pinned back on their 22, then managed to turn over the ball which was shipped to Sarah Taylor-Salkeld who ran through the Topsham team to dot it down.

Again the kick off from Bideford was terribly fielded and allowed Topsham in again to pressure a Bideford defence who wanted to fight in every ruck and scrum. Topsham spun the ball wide for a try.

Louise Cook then executed the perfect offload to Chloe Roissetter who was next over the line. A second successful conversion was made by Mollie Osment.

The tide had turned, with Bideford dominating the exchanges upfront and playing good wide rugby allowing Amber Hallman to pick and go off a ruck and feed scrum half Tessa Cleave through for a try. Converted by Amber.

Topsham then found a second wind and pipped a brilliant game 29-26.’