Brixham train derailed against Exmouth

A costly first half-hour in which they conceded 24 points without reply proved too much damage for Brixham to repair as they slipped out of SW League Regional One promotion contention in a 22- 45 home defeat by Exmouth as the local rugby season resumed after its first weekend ‘break’.
There’s a long way to go, of course, and the Fishermen, seventh on 15pts, are only a couple of wins behind leaders Chew Valley (26), who pipped Devonport Services (4th) 12-11 at the weekend.
But the pace is picking up at the top and, behind Chew and second-placed Launceston (25), relegated Barnstaple (24) look as if they’ve hit their stride after thumping Ivybridge 55-7.
Brixham, who trailed 10-31 at half-time, did fight back at Astley Park, with tries by Joel Ashworth, Harry Rodwell, Bobby Wigginton and Jordan Watson to earn a bonus point, but Exmouth had flown.
Ivybridge aren’t having a great time at the moment, and a trip there for the Fishermen this Saturday is a chance to get back to winning ways.
It was a good weekend in Regional Two for both Newton Abbot and Teignmouth.
The inconsistent All Whites won 48-31 at Chard and Teignmouth made light of a long trip to beat Truro away 19-14.
Teignmouth are eighth and Newton ninth.
In Western West, Paignton lost 26-31 at Penryn, but claimed a consolation point there. But at the top Plymstock Albion Oaks’ unbeaten start was ended by promoted Tavistock, who beat them 27-26 at home.
It doesn’t pay to take a weakened side to Torquay Athletic these days. Plymouth Argaum did that in Counties Two Devon and the Tics duly hammered them 101-0.
Dan Williams’ side hasn’t dropped a point in six matches and is already six points clear of second- placed Devonport Services 2nds.
But the Tics could face their toughest test so far this Saturday when they travel to Barnstaple 2nd XV (3rd).
Other results: Cos Three NE – Cullompton 22 New Cross 26, Newton Abbot 36 Exeter Athletic 34, Teignmouth 31 Tiverton 7; SW – Paignton 36 Torquay 27, Dartmouth 37 Salcombe 8, Kingsbridge 0 Brixham 33, Totnes 5 Tamar Saracens 67.
This Saturday’s league fixtures include: Reg One – Ivybridge v Brixham; Reg Two – Newton Abbot v Crediton, Teignmouth v Wadebridge Camels; Cos One WW – Paignton v Falmouth; Cos Two Devon – Barnstaple II v Torquay Athletic; Cos Three SW – Brixham II v Paignton II, Tavistock II v Totnes, Torquay Athletic II v Dartmouth; NE – New Cross v Newton Abbot II.