Big weekend awaits local rugby

It could be a key weekend in the Tribute South West Regional One Division season, especially for in-form Barnstaple.

After an emphatic 29-10 home win over Lydney, Barum are still in third place, five points behind leaders Chew Valley and one away from second-placed Devonport Services.

Only another point adrift, and with a game in hand after their game at Brixham was postponed, are Launceston.

Barum make the long trip to Gloucestershire to meet Matson this Saturday, but their supporters are sure to have one ear on events elsewhere.

The game of the day is Launceston against Chew Valley at Polson Bridge, while Services will be favourites to win at struggling Ivybridge.

Chew have lost only once this season, at Brixham.

Up to eighth are Okehampton – Leon Horn scored a hat-trick of tries in their 41-10 win at Weston-super-Mare – and they welcome St Austell to the Showground next.

The sudden death recently of former Okehampton and North Tawton player Gary Sizmur is still very much on the minds of the Devon rugby community.

Collection buckets were out at the Okehampton 2nds game against Tiverton 2nds, in aid of two causes chosen by his family – Bridestowe Cricket Club and the charity MIND – all part of the Movember mental health drive going on this month.

It’s as tight as ever at the top of Regional Two, where wins for Wadebridge Camels and Crediton see them both on 34 points.

Camels beat Topsham 37-20 in Cornwall and the Black-and-Ambers overcame North Petherton 45- 27 at Blagdon.

Cullompton (32pts) are third after proving too strong for lowly Newton Abbot 45-19, while Sidmouth (29), who didn’t play, are fourth.

Crediton against Sidmouth at Blagdon this Saturday looks a bit tasty, although Wadebridge will be expected to win again at Truro.

A surprise 30-29 win for Paignton at Kingsbridge knocked them off the top of the Western West Division, where Plymstock Albion Oaks – they were too good for Bideford (34-15) - take over again.

Tavistock are still fourth despite losing 32-26 at Bude, while Tiverton thumped bottom of the table Wiveliscombe 58-6 at Bolham Road.

Devon Division leaders Torquay Athletic took few prisoners in a 47-0 home win over South Molton.

Third-placed Withycombe won their local derby 18-0 at Exmouth 2nds, and they will relish the arrival of Torquay at Raleigh Park this Saturday.

Other results: Counties Three NE – Newton Abbot II 5 Crediton II 29, Okehampton II 18 Tiverton II 5, Sidmouth II 26 New Cross 25, Teignmouth II 19 Exeter Athletic 24, Torrington 31 Cullompton II 37.

This Saturday’s league fixtures include: Reg One – Okehampton v St Austell, Matson v Barnstaple, Exmouth v Weston-super-Mare; Reg Two – Sidmouth v Crediton, Topsham v Burnham-on-Sea, Newton Abbot v Wellington; Cos One WW – Tavistock v Tiverton, Wiveliscombe v Bideford; Cos Two Devon – Plymouth Argaum v North Tawton, South Molton v Exeter Saracens. Barnstaple II v Honiton, Withycombe v Torquay Athletic; Cos Three SW – Salcombe v Tavistock II; NE – Cullompton II v Newton Abbot II, Exeter Athletic v Topsham II, Tiverton II v Torrington, Crediton II v Sidmouth II.