Rugby returns with a 'Super Saturday'

The Tribute South West Rugby League season may be just beyond the halfway stage in fixtures, but the campaign resumes this weekend after the traditional Christmas/New Year break with what can only be described as ‘Super Saturday’, writes Tim Herbert.
In Regional One, the top-four meet in what could turn into a ‘shake-up’ afternoon. The top of the table reads: Devonport Services 50pts, Barnstaple 50, Chew Valley 48, Brixham 42 (Barnstaple have played a game more than their rivals). On Saturday, it’s Services v Barum at the Rectory Field and Chew Valley v Brixham near Bristol.
In Regional Two, Sidmouth have 57pts, from Topsham and Crediton 51 with Wadebridge Camels fourth on 49. Saturday sees Sidmouth, who have won seven on the trot since Camels beat them in Cornwall on October 14, welcome Topsham to Blackmore. Crediton host Chard, while Camels go to lowly Newton Abbot. There’s also a big game in Counties One Western West, where in-form duo Paignton, fifth but with a game in hand, and Tiverton (2nd) meet at Queen’s Park. That division reads: Plymstock Albion Oaks 54, Tiverton 48, Kingsbridge 44, Tavistock 42, Paignton 41.
Saturday’s SW League fixtures include: Reg One – Chew Valley v Brixham, Devonport Services v Barnstaple, Ivybridge v Okehampton, Exmouth v St Austell ; Reg Two – Crediton v Chard, Cullompton v Burnham-on-Sea, Newton Abbot v Wadebridge Camels, Sidmouth v Topsham, Teignmouth v Wellington; Counties One WW – Paignton v Tiverton, Kingsbridge v Bideford, PAO v Wiveliscombe, StIves v Tavistock; Cos Two Devon – North Tawton v Torquay Athletic, Barnstaple II v Withycombe, South Molton v Ivybridge II, OPMs v Exmouth II; Cos Three SW – BrixhamII v Totnes, Salcombe v Kingsbridge II, Tavistock II v Dartmouth, Plympton Victoria v Paignton II, Torquay Athletic II v Tamar Saracens; NE – Exeter Athletic v Crediton II, New Cross v Torrington, Okehampton II v Sidmouth II, Tiverton II v Newton Abbot II, Topsham II v Teignmouth II.
* Torquay Athletic had to hold off a spirited fightback by Brixham in the closing stages before winning the first leg of the annual Under-21 Reg Brewer Cup 29-22 at the Recreation Ground.
The Tics led 17-5 at half-time and later stretched their advantage to 24-5 before the Fishermen cut the deficit.
It means that Brixham will have to win by eight points in the return game at Astley Park on Good Friday (Mar29) if they are to retain the trophy.