Landmark opening day for Ivybridge skipper

Ivybridge Rugby Club first-team captain Matt Grieveson celebrated the opening day of the season by marking his 300th senior appearance, a remarkable achievement in such a physically demanding sport.

And it can be mentally draining too, as Matt and his team discovered with an agonising 28-27 defeat at Matson in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division. The Bridgers were seemingly cruising at 27-14 with little time left on the clock but two late tries turned the tide in favour of the hosts.

Ivybridge welcome Sidmouth in their opening home fixture on September 14.

The Ivybridge U11s braved the torrential rain to support the Vandals in their powerful 43-3 defeat of Plympton Victoria. Ivybridge Women cruised to a 27-5 triumph at Launceston and there was a tight 13-11 win for the Colts at Sidmouth.

Tavistock suffered a bruising 45-3 loss against Plymstock Oaks and it was a tough start for Okehampton at Topsham RFC, as they slumped to a punishing 51-7 defeat in a game where the tone was set early, Okes conceding two tries in the opening five minutes and they were never able to recover.

Devonport Services began their debut season in National Two West with a 40-22 defeat at Birmingham side Bournville.