Perfect Paignton start to the rugby season

Rugby returned to the competitive arena with mixed results for local team and a special presentation of recognition of a Paignton RFC stalwart.

Prior to their opening fixture, a signed shirt was awarded to Stephen Clemens following his retirement from coaching, and he then sat back to enjoy a battling 31-21 victory over Bideford.

Josh Gillard and Jack Carlisle scored the first-half tries, alongside extras from Brad McKee, to give the Cherries a 14-7 advantage at the interval, and they added further scores from Henry Hoare and Jordan Hodge to stay ahead of a determined North Devon opponent. Liam Cleaver was named Player of the Match.

Paignton host Redruth 2nds this weekend, while there is a Friday night derby for the Cherries 2nds at home to Torquay 2nds.

The second string at Paignton will be hoping for an improvement in fortunes after 50-3 defeat down the road at Brixham 2nds on Saturday. The Brixham first-team opened their campaign with a testing trip to Launceston and it proved to be a sparkling game of rugby, with the Fishermen just edged out in a 38-31 defeat.

The women’s team from Astley Park, Brixham Sirens, travelled to Plymouth Argaum and delivered a dominant 31-5 victory. Brixham 1sts are at home to Barnstaple on Saturday, the Crusaders host Tavistock 2nds and Brixham Colts are at home to Tavistock Colts.

In the Counties 2 Devon League, Torquay Rugby Club began their quest for a climb up the pyramid with an outstanding 45-7 triumph at Exmouth 2nds, placing the Tics top of the league after the first round of fixtures.

The Torquay tries were scored by Lewis Crocker, Charlie Barnes, Carl Turner, Ryan Hanauer, Joel Armitage, Jake Peters and Billy Whalley, with Crocker slotting five conversions.

Newton Abbot suffered a tough start at Tiverton, where they were defeated 36-0.