Barum edged out in Devon rugby thriller

It was billed as a potential classic in the Devon rugby calendar and credit to the players of Barnstaple and Brixham for delivering a thrilling match.

The prize on offer was to keep pace with leaders Exmouth in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division and Barum drew first blood with a try from Viliame Kotobalavu, converted by Tyler Gordon-Oke.

The Fishermen responded with a Mitch Pinkus penalty but then had to deal with successive yellow cards. Barnstaple decided to offer some Christmas relief for the visitors by also seeing their numbers briefly reduced to 13 due to ill discipline.

Amid the mayhem, Brixham grabbed the lead with a Pinkus try but a converted score from Albert Stretch made it 14-10 to the hosts at half-time. Gordon-Oke extended the lead to 17-10 with a penalty.

Brixham hit back with a try from Louis Drennan but the missed extras meant Barum held a slender lead. That changed when the Fishermen slotted a penalty to lead 17-18 and that’s how the score remained in a dramatic finale.

Brixham host mid-table St Austell on Saturday, while Barum will hope for a response at bottom club Chew Valley.

It was always going to be a difficult challenge for South Molton at home to runaway league leaders Torquay but they battled bravely before succumbing to a 0-47 defeat. South Molton travel to Exeter Saracens this weekend.

The wait for a win continues for Bideford Chiefs, who went down 42-17 at Plymstock, but this Saturday could be the game to get off the mark, as they host fellow strugglers Tavistock. Bideford Quins brought some cheer with a thumping 69-10 win over Honiton 2nds.

Torrington were beaten 29-39 by Barnstaple Buccaneers in an entertaining local derby, while Ilfracombe turned on the style with an impressive 5-55 triumph at Topsham 3rds.