Blip for Barnstaple Chiefs in last-gasp defeat to Taunton Titans

After a brilliant start to life in the National League, Barnstaple Rugby Club will have to regroup following successive defeats to Hornets and Taunton Titans.

The latest loss at home to Taunton was a tough one to take, as the Chiefs played some great rugby in tricky conditions and rattled in four tries, but were ultimately defeated by a late score from the visitors.

The Chiefs recovered from a 10-0 deficit to get on the scoreboard through Jacob Murphy but their task was made a lot more difficult when Matt Gohl received his marching orders for foul play on 33 minutes. Taunton scored again before the interval to lead 17-5.

There was, however, something special in the half-time brew, as Barum came out firing. Brandon Moore reduced the arrears and a quickfire double from Cameron Johnson, converted by Murphy, suddenly had the Chiefs leading 24-17.

Taunton scrambled back on to level terms with three minutes to go and then pinched a 31-24 victory when Matt Whitlock gathered his own grubber kick to score the winning try in the dying seconds. Next up for Barnstaple is successive away trips to Hinckley and Luctonians.

Bideford Chiefs are just six points behind leaders Devonport Services in the Counties 2 Devon Division but they were made to sweat by struggling Ivybridge 2nds, eventually edging to a 25-24 triumph.

South Molton delivered an inspired second-half performance to defeat OPM 39-12. There was little between the sides at half-time, George Down dotting down for Molton, but they pulled clear after the break. Down completed his brace and there were further tries from Reid Allen, Henry Cole, Ethan Drew and Luke Sanders.

Torrington lost out in a cracking Devon derby at Crediton, losing 19-17 in a dramatic game. Ben Sawyer and Gregor Boundy both scored to help Torrington to a 12-5 lead at half time.

Crediton restored parity after the break, only for Boundy to notch his second, converted by Nick Evans. The East Devon hosts fought back again and led 19-17 in the dying seconds. Torrington had one final push but were held up over the line in a dramatic finale.