Title hopes growing for Brixham RFC

Brixham RFC are poised to pounce on the top three in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division after extending their winning run to five matches.

The Fishermen currently sit fourth in the table but only six points behind leaders Exmouth, and even closer to Barnstaple and Launceston in second and third.

The recent run of victories has seen Chew Valley, Exmouth (their only league loss), Ivybridge and Marlborough all despatched. The latest challenge came at fifth-placed Lydney, where a strong defensive display provided the platform for a 25-5 triumph.

An early penalty from Mitch Pinkus got the scoreboard rolling in Brixham’s favour and Matt Crosscombe then dotted down for the opening try on 11 minutes, converted by Pinkus for a 0-10 lead.

Jamie Hext crossed the whitewash to extend the lead and another Pinkus penalty gave the Fishermen a powerful 18-point advantage at the interval. Lydney responded with their only score of the game after half-time but a final try from Rory Medley confirmed the win.

Brixham welcome third from bottom Matson this weekend.

Tries from Jake Jones, Josef Webber, Danny Brown, Tom McLean (2) and Will Kingsley helped Brixham Crusaders to an entertaining 54-14 win over Old Techs at Astley Park. The Crusaders remain top of the Counties 3 Tribute Devon South & West Division, with a trip to Plympton Victoria on the menu this weekend.

It was a stellar weekend for Paignton Ladies, who outclassed Withycombe in East Devon. Tries from Alisha Hackman (2), Kate Barlow (2), Ella Fielding, Amy Law and Ellie Dyke, plus extras from Charlotte Massey, secured a 45-0 victory for the Cherries, who are second behind Exeter Saracens Women in the league table.

On the men’s side of the club, Paignton 1st XV enjoyed an enthralling 29-29 draw at St Ives in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division. The tries were scored by Liam Cleaver (2), Tom Osborn, Franco Van Rooyen and Sam Dennis, with Brad McKee kicking the extras.

The tied result saw Paignton drop to second in the table but only on points difference from Plymstock Oaks. This weekend will see the Cherries host Kingsbridge.

An Ethan Ward hat-trick played a big role in Paignton 2nds battling to a 30-20 success over Totnes. Lewis Swar and Luke Boot also dotted down for the Cherries, who are fifth in the Counties 3 Tribute South & West Division.

There was a trio of doubles for Torquay Athletic’s Josh Macklin, Matt Butler and Callum Crocker, as the Tics cruised to a 12-40 win at OPM Rugby Club. Morgan Penrice also slotted four conversions for the Tics, who maintain their narrow lead above Devonport Services 2nds in the Counties 2 Tribute Devon Division.

Torquay Extras were well in the game at half-time against high-flying Ivybridge 2nds, trailing by just seven points, but the Bridgers stepped on the gas after the break to win 15-48.

A hat-trick from Greg Fisilau set the tone for Exeter Chiefs in their comfortable 54-3 win over Hartpury in the Premiership Cup.