Great wins for Barnstaple and Bideford in the opening rugby weekend

Barnstaple Chiefs welcomed a historic new challenge in the National 2 West division with a rousing 24-17 victory over Old Redcliffians at a buoyant Pottington Road.

It was the perfect start for Barum, as they embark on an exciting challenge after their thrilling promotion last season. Elsewhere, Barnstaple Athletic went down to a 50 – 19 loss at Paignton, while the Barum Colts beat Exeter Athletic 26 -0.

Bideford Chiefs started the new season with a 38 - 22 victory up at Honiton. Bideford decided to play up the slope first half with a strong wind to play into.

On 18 minutes, Joey Faulkner scored under the post after a line break from George Terry. Pat Sanders kicked the conversion. Honiton hit back on 30 mins from a Bideford mistake with a try under the post, 7 - 7. Just before half-time, Honiton went into the lead from a penalty.

In the second half, the visitors had a strong wind behind them and Bideford dominated the game with three tries from Sam Olde, plus one each from Dave Evans and Dean Folland. Sanders notched three conversions. Honiton never gave up with a couple of tries near the end of the game.

“Full credit to our host, they threw everything at us,” said Bideford manager Bradley Goaman. “You have to win your individual battles and the result will come, and we did It was a gutsy performance. The coaches had a game plan and the players executed the plan. I’m proud of the boys how they turned up and fronted up.

“We have lots to work on but Pat Sanders controlled the game well at number 10, Sam Olde was a handful with the ball and Fraser Priest yet again had a brilliant game at 7.”

Bideford are at home to OPM’s this weekend.

In a local derby to start the campaign, Bideford Quins took the plaudits with a convincing victory over Torrington.

Early tries from Billy Teape and Reuben Stacey placed the Quins in a strong position, as Freddie Palmer controlled the game from fly half. Liam Balsdon went on to score a fine hat-trick and the tries kept coming in a 48 – 12 triumph. Nick Evans and Will Brown crossed for Torrington.