Tirbutes paid to Sizzy

Rugby action on the pitch at the weekend was overshadowed by news of the untimely death of North Tawton and former Okehampton player Gary Sizmur.

Teams across the county reacted quickly to the tragedy, many holding a minute’s silence before their kick-offs in memory of the popular centre who also played cricket for Bridestowe.

North Tawton postponed their South West League Counties Two game with Exmouth 2nd XV, and Okehampton announced that they would hold a minute’s silence before their next two matches.

North Tawton issued a statement which said: “We have lost one of our family members. We are absolutely devastated and in shock.

“Sizzy was a much-loved member by everyone in our small squad and will be sorely missed by all.”

They opened their clubhouse as usual on Saturday for members and friends who wanted to come together at such a difficult time.

On the pitch Okehampton are still without a point in SW Regional One after a 33-3 defeat at Exmouth.

The Cockles have made a good start and stand level on 15 points from three games with Chew Valley and Devonport Services.

Chew accounted for Barnstaple 35-19 at the weekend.

In Regional Two, Crediton were expected to beat early season strugglers Burnham-on-Sea at Blagdon, and the Black-and-Ambers duly delivered with a 68-5 victory.

Crediton stand five points behind leaders Topsham ahead of a trip to Chard this weekend. Bideford’s good start to the Western West campaign was slowed by a 23-21 defeat at Falmouth.

In the same division, Tavistock trailed 24-15 at Paignton, but fought back to draw 37-37, while Tiverton went down 28-15 at in-form Kingsbridge.

Barnstaple 2nds proved too strong for South Molton (33-0) in a Devon Division led by Torquay Athletic on maximum points.

Other results: Counties Three NE – Okehampton II 26 Newton Abbot II 21, Teignmouth II W/O Torrington, Tiverton II 17 Cullompton II 12.

This Saturday’s league fixtures include: Reg One – Okehampton v Ivybridge, Barnstaple v Devonport Services; Reg Two – Chard v Crediton, Burnham-on-Sea v Cullompton, Topsham v Sidmouth; Counties One WW – Bideford v Kingsbridge, Tavistock v St Ives, Tiverton v Paignton; Cos Two Devon – Exeter Saracens v Honiton, Torquay Athletic v North Tawton, Withycombe v Barnstaple II, Ivybridge II v South Molton; Cos Three NE – Crediton II v Exeter Athletic, Newton Abbot II v Tiverton II, Sidmouth II v Okehampton II, Teignmouth II v Topsham II, Torrington v New Cross.