Barum top the rugby pile after dramatic victory

Barnstaple Rugby Club are top of the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division after a thrilling 26-22 win over previous leaders Exmouth.

In an incredibly tight division, Exmouth slipped down to fourth, with Brixham and Launceston also heavily involved, as just four points separate the top four teams.

The East Devon visitors struck first with a penalty, quickly pegged back to 3-3 with Tyler Gordon-Oke calmly slotting a riposte for Barum. The first try of a tense game was scored by Jake Murphy and two further penalties from Gordon-Oke extended the home lead to 14-3.

The Exmouth response provided evidence of their own promotion credentials, diving over for two converted tries to grab the advantage at 14-17. Back came Barnstaple, Brandon Moore restoring the home lead to 19-17 with an unconverted try.

Connor Swann then dotted down for a crucial score, Gordon-Oke converting the extras, and although Exmouth rallied for their own consolation try, Barum held on for a superb victory.

Next on the menu for Barnstaple is a trip to lowly Ivybridge, followed by a visit from Marlborough and then a potentially decisive home clash with title rivals Launceston on January 25.

Bideford Chiefs put up a brave fight before slipping to a 10-19 defeat at home to Redruth 2nds. The Chiefs remain bottom of the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division and face a big game at local rivals Bude this weekend.

Barnstaple Athletic are fourth in this division, which is headed by a dominant Paignton at the top. The Barum 2nds secured a powerful 12-38 victory at St Ives to open 2025 and they host Kingsbridge on Saturday.

Bideford Quins welcomed the new year with a 28-38 success at Tiverton Athletic and sit fourth in the Devon Merit Table NE Division. While Crediton 3rds lead the way, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple Buccaneers make up the top four with Biddy.

The Buccaneers thrashed Exmouth 3rds 69-7 on the weekend, while Ilfracombe won 7-48 at Exeter Saracens 2nds, thanks to tries from Max Davies (2), Aaron Stainer, Jack Marriott, Ellis Rees, James Mascall and Dave Santry. Davies and Rob Holmes added the extras.

Torrington RFC are safe in mid-table but their home tie with local rivals South Molton 2nds was cancelled due to a lack of player availability. Hopefully, South Molton can get things sorted for this weekend’s derby at home to the Buccaneers.

The South Molton first XV are still propping up the Counties 2 Tribute Devon Division but can take heart from a battling display before going down to a 22-32 defeat at home to Honiton.

Bideford Ladies made the long trip to Helston and were unfortunate to go down to a 12-0 defeat, a result that keeps them fourth in the table.