Paignton prep for Plymstock with pounding win

Paignton RFC travel to Plymstock Albion Oaks on Saturday for a title clash that has all the ingredients needed for a mammoth game of rugby.

While Plymstock are third in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division, the Cherries hold top spot following a ruthless 94-12 demolition of struggling Tavistock.

Henry Hoare and Harry Davies both scored hat-tricks for Paignton, with further tries coming from Dewald Stoop (2), Harry Law (2), Jack Carlisle, Harry Ward, Jordan Hodge and Brad McKee. David Siddall kicked the extra points.

The Plymstock trip is the first of three games on the road for the Cherries before Christmas, as they travel to mid-table Redruth 2nds on December 14 and then Bude, also mid-table, on December 21.

Nathan Jordan made his senior debut for Paignton 2nds, helping his side to a comfortable 0-29 victory at Ivybridge 3rds. Scott McKenna (2), Lewis Swarr and Toby Hodgetts were the try-scorers for the Cherries.

The fairytale run in the Papa Johns Community Cup came to an end for Paignton Ladies, who put up an excellent fight before going down 26-5 at Winscombe Ladies, who are undefeated in the league above the Cherries. Kelly Grose scored the Paignton try.

In the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division, Brixham were made to work very hard before finally recording a 15-20 success at struggling Sidmouth.

Harry Rodwell notched the opening try for the Fishermen on a heavy pitch in East Devon but Sidmouth soon levelled the scores, and dotted down again to eventually lead a stodgy first period 12-10.

Brixham were hampered by losing players to the sin bin but eventually found some rhythm to score through Joel Ashworth. A penalty extended the lead to 12-20 and the Fishermen held on to win, despite a late penalty for the hosts.

Brixham welcome Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday and then a huge game for their title ambitions on December 14, when they travel to Barnstaple, who are currently one place above the Fishermen in second. Exmouth continue to lead the way at the top.

After recording so many huge victories in the Counties 2 Tribute Devon Division, it was quite refreshing to see Torquay Athletic pushed all the way before sealing a 14-29 victory at second-placed Devonport Services 2nds.

Craig Withers, Matt Butler, George Mills, Callum Crocker and Morgan Alcock scored the tries for Tics, who host Tamar Saracens this weekend.