Golden opportunity for Brixham as title race hots up

Frozen off at Okehampton at the weekend, Brixham have a big chance to continue their impressive home record against top teams when they face new Tribute South West Regional One leaders Barnstaple at Astley Park on Saturday.
Barum, relegated from National League level last Spring, went top of the table for the first time this season last Saturday with a 15-8 win at St Austell. They are two points ahead of Chew Valley, who have a game in hand.
Brixham (5th) have already beaten Chew Valley and Launceston (4th) at Astley Park, and they could make another big step forwards if they can beat Barnstaple in the division’s game of the day.
That postponed match at Okehampton is expected to be played during the next seasonal ‘bye’ weekend on January 20.
In Regional Two, Teignmouth dented Cullompton’s promotion hopes when they edged a 30-29 thriller at Bitton Park.
They’re still in the bottom half of the table, and even more so are Newton Abbot, who soaked up a 76-5 hammering at leaders Sidmouth.
Winning at home is all very well, but the mark of any top side is the ability to do it on the road and Paignton are starting to look like a serious force in Counties One Western West.
The Cherries went to Penzance and pulled off their sixth win in seven games, 19-15 over Pirates Amateurs.
Jack Carlisle (2) and Henry Hoare scored tries, with Brad McKee adding a couple of conversions. Paignton are still fourth, ahead of a visit from struggling Wiveliscombe this Saturday. They’re eleven points behind leaders Plymstock Albion Oaks, who registered an important 44-22 home win over second-placed Kingsbridge.
Counties Two Devon leaders Torquay Athletic remain two points clear of Devonport Services II after a 16-3 win at Exmouth 2nds. The Tics go to Exeter Saracens (5th) next.

Other results: Cos Three NE – Cullompton II 57 Teignmouth II 29; SW-Brixham II 101 Tavistock II 0, Paignton II 8 Dartmouth 52, Torquay Athletic II 66 Plympton Victoria 21.

This Saturday’s local league fixtures include: Reg One – Brixham v Barnstaple; Reg Two – Newton Abbot v Topsham, North Petherton; Cos One WW – Paignton v Wiveliscombe; Cos Two Devon – Exeter Saracens v Torquay Athletic; Cos Three SW – PAO II v Dartmouth, Salcombe v Brixham II, Torquay Athletic II v Totnes, Old Techs (Plymouth) v*Paignton II; NE – Topsham II v Newton Abbot II, Teignmouth II v Sidmouth II.