Barnstaple Chiefs maintain superb start with dramatic win over Cinderford

The fairytale start to life in the National League 2 West is showing no signs of letting up for the Barnstaple Chiefs.

Barum welcomed a strong Cinderford side to Pottington Road on the weekend and it was an extremely tight affair, ultimately decided by the calm head of Henry Sellick, slotting a penalty to secure a 25-23 victory for the Chiefs.

Barnstaple now sit second in the division, just four points behind leaders Camborne, and this weekend represents a huge test of their credentials, as the Chiefs travel to third-placed Luctonians.

Bideford Chiefs slipped to their first league defeat in the Counties 2 Devon Division, going down 15-34 at home to leaders Topsham 2nds.

Bideford took an early lead with a score from Dean Folland but the visitors then took control of the game, racing into a 22-10 half-time advantage, Mark Schofield notching the other try for the Chiefs.

There was plenty of effort from Bideford after the break but Topsham remained in control, running out deserved winners despite Folland dotting down for a second time.

“Topsham were far better than us all over the park,” said Bideford boss Bradley Goaman. “They were clinical in attack, while we were below par. We had opportunities score the fourth try but were not quite clinical enough.

“They dominated territory and we did not cope well with it. We expected the group to react better than we did. We lost the intent in all the important things, it is a performance we will want to forget very quickly.

“We have won 3 out of 4, so we are not panicking but it is a setback. Crediton away next week can’t come quick enough, as we need a result to get us back on track. On the plus side, Fraser Priest was outstanding yet again.”