Bideford Ladies open rugby season with stirring win at Bude

The season-opener for Bideford RFC Ladies was played in brutal conditions at a wind-swept Bude Ladies.

Playing in round one of the Women’s Cup, both teams understandably struggled in the early stages, as the howling wind and rain made it very difficult for flowing rugby.

When Bideford did find some attacking fluency, Ruth Boundy crossing for the opening score, converted by Liv Taylor. The lead was extended by a score from Amber Hallman before Bude reduced the arrears to 5-12 at the interval.

Taylor took the initiative early in the second half, extending the lead with a decisive try and when Mia Wray dived over following a superb run out wide, Bideford had a 5-22 victory confirmed.

Liv Taylor taking back of the match for her command of the backline and powerful kicking, while forward of the match went to Daisy O’Donovan for her strong ball carrying, tackling and scrummaging.

Bideford make the journey to Topsham for their first league game of the season in three weeks, hoping to keep up momentum on a great start to the season.

On the men’s side of the club, Bideford Chiefs welcomed OPMs to North Devon but an early injury to scrum half Joey Faulkner forced a reshuffle in the ranks.

Bideford grabbed the first score after a string of drives, culminating in Dean Folland barging his way over the line. OPMs are always a strong outfit, however, and they fought back to lead 7-14 at the break.

The Chiefs emerged for the second period with renewed vigour and Billy Cockwill, filling in at number nine, was beginning to have a major influence on the game. The territorial gains led to a score for Sam Picillo, quickly followed by skipper Nick Bone crossing out wide.

OPMs responded with a try of their own but that merely angered the Chiefs into a storming finish to the game.

Dec Smale forced himself over the line for the next try and that was followed by a clever team move creating room for Mark Schofield to score. The blistering pace of Charlie Stevenson completed an entertaining afternoon and an impressive 40-24 victory.

“It was a bit nerve wracking at times and we made it tough for ourselves, but really chuffed for the players,” said Bideford boss Bradley Goaman. “We have a very good group, so I’m very proud. Fraser Priest and Dean Folland were yet again outstanding. Dec Smale was also class and man of the match.”

A perfect weekend for the club was completed by a dominant win for Bideford Quins over Barnstaple Buccaneers.

In the National 2 West Division, Barnstaple Chiefs made the relatively short trip to Exeter University and put up a strong fight against an extremely talented young team, Barum eventually going down to a 43-26 defeat.

Barnstaple Athletic overpowered Plymstock Oaks with a 57-7 success and the Chiefs will be back at Pottington Road this weekend, when the Hornets will be their visitors.