Bideford Chiefs threaten promotion push after a local derby win

Bideford Chiefs are loitering with intent in the Counties 2 Tribute Devon division, as they edged past South Molton in a tremendous North Devon derby.

The Chiefs grabbed an early lead on their way to a 22-17 triumph, captain Nick Bone dotting down for the home side. Reece Pearn added the conversion and then kicked a penalty to give the home side a 10-0 lead after ten minutes.

South Molton, who sit fifth in a tight division, responded with a strong spell of possession and got their reward with a try from Jake Knapman, converted by Tommy Heard.

Bideford regained their cushion with a score from Charlie Stevenson but South Molton again demonstrated their impressive resilience, Heard slotting a penalty and when Ethan Drew barrelled over for a converted try, the visitors held a 15-17 half-time lead.

After the high-scoring drama of the opening 40 minutes, defences generally came out on top after the break. In the end, the game was decided by a try from Bideford prop Harvey Beal, a first for the Chiefs from the former Colt.

In a game that showed huge credit to the division and the competitive nature of North Devon rugby, South Molton laid siege on the Chiefs but were thwarted by superb try-saving tackles from Stevenson and Mitch Harris.

Sadly, a great game was marred by a serious injury to Harris, who will now miss the remainder of the season.

“South Molton are a strong outfit, we had to front up and we did,” said Bideford boss Bradley Goaman. “We were not at our best in the first half but improved in the second half. We dominated most parts of the game but could not quite kill it off.

“It was hectic at times but the boys stuck at it and got the victory they deserved. We are going well this season, the players have been fantastic and a local derby is always a tough game. Charlie Stevenson was man of the match, outstanding yet again. 

“We lost Mitch Harris with a horrendous injury. He is out for the rest of the season, which is a big blow.”

Bideford Quins won 53-7 at South Molton 2nds and Bideford Ladies held on to their unbeaten run with a 17-17 draw against Exeter Saracens. South Molton travel to Withycombe this weekend, while the Chiefs have a huge test at leaders Devonport Services.

Barnstaple Chiefs suffered just their third defeat of the National League 2 season, going down 34-22 at leaders Camborne. Barum never really recovered from a tough first half in Cornwall, trailing 31-10 at one stage, but they can still be very proud of another battling display at this level. Next up in the league is a visit from Lymm on December 6.

In another North Devon derby, Barnstaple Buccaneers edged past Ilfracombe with a 28-21 victory.

Torrington RFC delivered a terrific display of finishing to trounce Crediton 35-10. The tries came from Dan McDonald-Bale, Nick Evans, Brad Bruce, Will Brown and a penalty try, with Evans also slotting four conversions.