Bideford Chiefs snatch dramatic one-point victory in Devon derby

Bideford Chiefs edged a thrilling all-Devon encounter against a strong Ivybridge side, emerging victorious by the narrowest of margins in a pulsating 25–24 contest.

The Chiefs made a flying start when Sam Picillo crossed the line after just three minutes to give the visitors an early 5–0 lead. Ivybridge responded immediately, however, striking back with a well-worked try and conversion to move 7–5 ahead.

Bideford regained the initiative on the half-hour mark as sustained pressure told, with Richard Weston powering over from a driving maul. Just before the interval, Picillo added his second try of the afternoon, sending the Chiefs into the break with a deserved 15–7 advantage.

The momentum swung sharply after half-time as Ivybridge enjoyed a dominant spell, scoring two unanswered tries in the opening 10 minutes of the second half to turn the scoreline around and take a 19–15 lead.

Refusing to wilt, Bideford raised the tempo and hit back in style. Dave Evans forced his way over before Picillo completed his hat-trick, pushing the Chiefs back in front at 25–24 and setting up a tense finale.

Ivybridge piled on the pressure in the dying moments and crossed the line with the final play of the match, earning a chance to snatch victory with the conversion. In dramatic fashion, the kick drifted wide, allowing Bideford to escape with the win and secure a valuable five points.

Reflecting on the contest, the Chiefs admitted it had been a bruising affair. “Both teams wanted to play,” said manager Bradley Goaman. “Ivybridge got a foothold early in the second half and we gave away a couple of soft tries, but we stayed in the fight and never gave up. I thought we’d blown it when they scored at the end, but the missed kick gave us the result.”

The victory keeps Bideford Chiefs second in the table, and attention now turns to another tough test as they travel to Topsham this weekend.