Paignton deliver a muddy win over Kingsbridge

Caked in mud but smiling all the way through, Paignton RFC remain within four points of leaders Plymstock Albion in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West league with just four games remaining.

A visit from Kingsbridge, just a place below the Cherries in the table, was always going to be a tough task and so it proved, as Paignton edged their way to a tense 28-22 victory, thanks to tries from Jack Carlisle, Dewald Stoop, Jack Linley-Shaw and Franco Van Rooyen. The extras came from Brad McKee.

In a fine all-round display from the Cherries, Mark Palk was named the Lloyd Maunder Player of the Match, and it was also a special occasion for Richard Champion, who reached 100 caps for the Paignton first XV. The Cherries are scheduled to face Plymstock Albion on April 6, the proposed final weekend of the season.

Paignton 2nds suffered a tight 25-22 defeat at Tamar Saracens, despite a brace of tries from Sam Bastock and Mike Sandercock in fine kicking form. The Paignton Ladies game against Okehampton was sadly postponed on Sunday.

In the Counties 2 Tribute Devon league, Torquay Athletic squeezed past South Molton with a 7-3 victory on a quagmire of a pitch in North Devon. The Tics are third in the table, just a point behind Devonport Services 2nds but Barnstaple 2nds are well clear at the top. Torquay Extras were beaten 26-19 by Plymstock 2nds.

Brixham delivered an excellent performance to win 28-21 at Launceston in the Regional 1 South West division, giving the Fishermen a cushion in fourth position and hot on the heels of Chew Valley in third. Devonport Services cemented their place at the top with a win at Exmouth. Brixham return to action with a visit from Lydney on Saturday, March 2.