Barum edge past Bideford in local derby

Just two points separated the sides and it was more local glory for Barnstaple RFC, as their 2nds edged to victory at Bideford Chiefs in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division.

Despite the heartbreaking final score of 12-14 in favour of Barum, the Chiefs can be incredibly proud of their battling display, defying their lowly status at the bottom of the table to push the side in second place all the way.

Time is running out for Bideford to pull clear of trouble and they face a tricky game at Wiveliscombe this weekend, but heart can be taken from the character displayed in this local derby.

As for Barnstaple Athletic, there is a growing prospect that the whole season could come down to the final day, when they are scheduled to face an away fixture at current leaders Pirates Amateurs.

Barum are four points behind the Pirates and have games against Redruth 2nds (H), Bude (A) and Penryn (H) before the showdown. Win all three and it could be an enthralling title decider in Cornwall.

The Barnstaple first XV also have a thrilling finale lined up for their campaign, as they sit just one point behind leaders Brixham with four games left to play in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division.

While Brixham defeated Lydney 22-12 on the weekend, Barum were equally efficient in their 26-12 victory at home to Matson.

Bertie Stretch and Callum Davies both crossed for Barum in a strong start to the game, Tyler Gordon-Oke adding the extras, but Matson replied to make the scores 14-5. An unconverted try from Brandon Moore extended the lead before Matson reduced the advantage to 19-12.

Any concerns of a tense ending were washed away by man of the match Ben Jago crossing for the match-winning try. Barum need to keep on winning and next on the menu is a trip to Sidmouth at the beginning of March.

In another local derby, it was more joy for Barum and pain for Bideford, as the Buccaneers defeated the Quins 24-15 to remain second in the Devon Merit Table NE Division. The Quins stay in fourth, with another North Devon club, Ilfracombe, sandwiched in third.

Ilfracombe were scheduled to play at Exmouth 3rds on Saturday, but the pitch was deemed unplayable, so the Combe resume action with a visit from Exeter Engineers 2nds this weekend.

Torrington remain in the bottom three after going down to an entertaining 33-24 defeat at Topsham 3rds. The pitch descended into a minor swamp but both sides continued battering away in a cracking encounter.

In the Counties 2 Tribute Devon Division, South Molton produced one of their best performances of the campaign to defeat Tamar Saracens 38-22.