The Chiefs of Bideford and Barnstaple both fall short in epic rugby encounters

It was a weekend of ‘what might have been’ for Bideford and Barnstaple Chiefs, as both North Devon clubs were just unable to find victories in difficult conditions.

Bideford travelled to promotion rivals Topsham and the weather was a major factor in the contest, leading to sliced kicks and handling errors from both sides.

The hosts dealt with the challenge more efficiently in the opening exchanges, racing into a 14-0 lead, but the Chiefs gave themselves some momentum on the stroke of half-time with a fabulous try from Louis Atkinson.

In the second half, the Chiefs were briefly rocked by a yellow card for Dec Smale but the 14 men dug deep, punishing a loose line-out from Topsham to score again through Dave Evans.

Now trailing 14-10, Bideford badly needed the next points but the home side rallied to cross for a decisive try. The Chiefs camped on their opponent’s line for a tense closing five minutes but were unable to breach a heroic home defence.

“We had to roll our sleeves up in horrendous weather conditions and the boys committed to everything,” said Bideford manager Bradley Goaman. “We showed physicality, making tackles, and defensively we were very good.

“We had a couple of opportunities, which we did not finish off, but we deserved something from the game. The boys were fantastic, putting in a huge effort, and congratulations to man of the match Ollie Hebden. We move on quickly to a massive cup match at Bude.”

Barnstaple Chiefs are facing their first mini crisis after returning to the National League 2 division, suffering a third successive loss since the turn of the new year, this time going down 41-31 in an entertaining match at Hinckley.

Barum suffered the worst possible start in Leicestershire, conceding a converted try in the opening minute, but they soon hit back with a score from Cameron Johnson and Jacob Murphy added the extras.

Ryan Lee then gave the Chiefs a 12-7 lead but the home side responded within two minutes for a 14-12 advantage. Back came Barum, Ben Parsons crossing for a converted score. A cracking first half ended 19-19 with Hinckley dotting down in the final minute.

Unfortunately for Barnstaple, they were unable to find any rhythm after the break and were punished by some ruthless Hinckley finishing, as the hosts notched four tries in the space of 20 minutes.

Johnny Carter finally broke the pattern with a converted score and there was another try from Jack Barrow, but it was scant consolation for the Chiefs, who travel to Cinderford this weekend.

South Molton battled through horrid weather to defeat Ivybridge 20-7, largely thanks to a stoic defensive effort in the second half.