Barnstaple win a classic with the last play of a thrilling game at Redruth

Barnstaple RFC retained third position in the National League 2 West Division after an incredible last-gasp victory at Redruth.

On a lovely afternoon baked in autumn sunshine, Barum were on the back foot when the hosts scored through Sam Stevens. Barnstaple responded almost immediately, levelling the scores at 7-7 when Bertie Stretch dived over from a ruck.

Redruth then took control of the first half, forcing Barum into long periods of defending, and the rearguard was finally breached by the impressive Sam Bray. Back came Barum, levelling for a second time before Redruth notched another converted try to lead 19-12 at the break.

The opening exchanges of the second half were full of attacking intent from Barum and the reward finally arrived just past the hour, when Henry Sellick dived over. Redruth responded again with a converted try to lead by nine points.

A scuffle led to both teams receiving a yellow card each, and the extra space played into Barum’s hands, as Redruth gradually buckled under the pressure. The late score from Barnstaple was enough for a dramatic 27-26 win and credit to Stretch, who bagged a brace on the day. Barum are back at Pottington Road for the visit of Loughborough Students this weekend.

The Cornish drama was also extended to Barnstaple Athletic, who played out a gripping 32-32 draw at Truro, and a final special mention to the Barum Juniors, as they turned out in great numbers to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Bideford RFC are looking good after a hard fought 32-27 win at Withycombe. The Chiefs started brighter than the hosts, going 7-0 up after five minutes through Dean Folland and a Mitch Harris conversion.

The hosts then went through the gears and dominated possession and territory with three tries before the break. Richard Weston flopped over just before half time, 17-12 to Withycombe.

Bideford were playing up the slope second half and looked a different outfit. With 10 minutes to go and the score at 27-27, Bideford grabbed victory through captain Nick Bone. The hosts threw everything at Bideford in the last few minutes but the visitors kept them out with outstanding defence. Other try scorers were Bone again, Sam Olde and Dave Evans.

Manager Bradley Goaman said: “The players deserve enormous credit for the resilience they showed in this game. Withycombe were a decent team and we showed strength, fitness and composure to see the game out.

“The players in the second half ripped into the hosts and tried really hard. We were not perfect, too many penalties given away, but we are going in the right direction as a team.

“Sam Bolo made a big impact on his debut with ball carrying and no-nonsense tackling. Nick Bone also caught the eye. No game this week, then South Molton at home following week.”

It will be another tough test against South Molton, who rattled in eight tries during their 54-7 thrashing of Crediton 2nds. Matt Boundy crossed four times and further scores came from George Down, Tim Holland, Luke Sanders and Harry Pickard.