Peerless Pottington Road remains a fortress for Barnstaple Rugby Club

Before the season commenced in National League 2 West, some observers worried about the long trips awaiting Barnstaple RFC and whether that would prove a difficult challenge to overcome.

But long trips work both ways in competitive rugby, and clubs heading to Pottington Road, home of the Chiefs, are finding the welcome hospitable off the pitch and hostile on the field of play.

Barum extended their unbeaten stretch on home turf with a solid 28-21 win over Chester on the weekend, a result that leaves the Chiefs third in the table ahead of a trip to Redruth on November 8.

Barnstaple Buccaneers travelled to Bideford Quins for a North Devon derby that lived up to expectations, or it did for the Bideford boys anyway, Jordan Taylor, Billy Teape, Ollie Sanders and Amos Waters scoring the tries in a 26-14 victory.

It was all about the cup for Bideford Ladies and a proper battle at home to Newton Abbot, who grabbed the lead after a tight opening half-hour. Bideford responded with a try from Joy Hayes but the visitors struck again to lead 7-10 at half time.

After the break, Bideford took control and ran out deserved winners with scores from Liv Taylor and Daisy O’Donovan, Adi Maisamoa slotted the extras. Bideford take on Paignton in the next round.

Bideford Chiefs were also on cup duty, welcoming Helston to North Devon, and the Cornish visitors proved a stern test on the day.

The opening score came from Charlie Stevenson, who was outstanding all afternoon for the Chiefs, and he demonstrated a wonderful turn of speed to dive over in the corner.

Stevenson was also the catalyst for the next try, bursting through the Helston defence before feeding a pass to Mark Schofield for a fine score. The same combination then created room for Will Bliss to scored under the posts.

Helston did hit back with a try of their own, only for Sam Olde to restore Bideford superiority. The second period was a far calmer affair, Stevenson adding a further try for a final score of 27-10.

“We started brilliantly with a great try from Charlie Stevenson,” said Bideford boss Bradley Goaman. “I’m so chuffed for the boys, they put in a great shift, and we knew it was going to be a tough battle. We have things to improve but we are going in the right direction.”