Barum embrace nail-biting season conclusion

There are just five games to go in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division and it could scarcely be any tighter at the top, with just one point separating Barnstaple RFC from leaders Brixham.

It now appears to be a two-horse race for the title, as the challenges of Exmouth in third and Launceston in fourth have faded over the last few weeks, which means every point is crucial to the leading duo.

While Brixham were forced to work extremely hard before securing a win at lowly Marlborough, Barum were more efficient in their 16-33 success at Lydney.

An early try from Ryan Lee gave Barnstaple the ideal start in Gloucestershire and the platform was further secured by a converted score from Alex Penny, with Jake Murphy adding the extras.

Lydney, who have seven wins from their 17 fixtures in a solid campaign, responded with a brace of penalties, and then shocked Barum with a converted try to lead 13-12, but Brandon Moore swiftly restored sanity and safety for the visitors.

Another penalty made it 16-19 in Barum’s favour but a try from Cameron Grizzle-Johnson was the catalyst for the North Devon side to pull clear of their hosts, Jonny Carter adding gloss to the victory with a final score.

It is a weekend off for the top two before Brixham welcome Lydney on February 15, while Barnstaple host mid-table Matson. After another weekend sabbatical, Brixham start March with a trip to Matson and Barum travel to Sidmouth for a tricky Devon derby.

Brixham host Sidmouth on March 8, Barnstaple face Royal Wootton Bassett on the same day. The penultimate league weekend could be decisive, as Barum face a difficult away fixture at Launceston and Brixham are at Royal Wootton Bassett.

The thrilling climax is scheduled for Saturday, April 5 and both contenders are at home, Barum taking on St Austell and the Fishermen of Brixham welcome Launceston.

It was a disappointing weekend for Bideford Chiefs, as they were unable to fulfil their scheduled fixture at leaders Pirates Amateurs in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division. Bideford remain rooted to the foot of the table and next play at home to neighbours Barnstaple Athletic on February 15. The Athletic will look to build on an excellent 29-14 win over Plymstock on Saturday.

South Molton endured a humbling 74-24 defeat at Devonport Services 2nds and will want to put things right in a fortnight at home to Tamar Saracens, a team they can leapfrog in the table with a victory.

In the Devon Merit NE Division, Barnstaple Buccaneers remain in second after being given a home walkover against Exeter Saracens 2nds, and next face a home derby with Bideford 2nds on February 15. Ilfracombe are in third, ten points behind Barum, and they resume action at Honiton 2nds this weekend.

Torrington and South Molton 2nds are both in the bottom three, with Torrington at home to Bideford 2nds on February 8, when South Molton travel to leaders Crediton 3rds.