Crossecombe is a Brixham RFC history-maker

Brixham Rugby Club secured their tenth consecutive victory, demolishing Chew Valley 58-12 on a day that winger Matt Crossecombe became the club’s record try-scorer.

Crossecombe achieved the remarkable feat with his second score of an impressive afternoon, burning down the wing with outstanding pace before a celebration that saw team-mates and supporters acknowledge a moment in history.

The victory lifted the Fishermen to second in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division, just a point behind Barnstaple, who dislodged Exmouth from top position with a tense 26-22 triumph in North Devon.

Brixham travel to Exmouth this weekend and a big test to stretch the winning sequence to 11 games. It is then back to Astley Park for the visit of lowly Ivybridge on January 18.

Paignton remain well clear at the top of the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division after welcoming 2025 with an explosive 90-10 victory over visiting Penryn.

The Cherries ran in an incredible 14 tries in an overwhelming display, with Jack Carlisle bagging a hat-trick. The other scorers included Josh Gillard, Harry Davies (2), Olly Latto, Ethan Ward, Jordan Hodge (2), Henry Hoare (2), Ollie Williams and David Siddall. Brad McKee did the job with the boot.

It will be a much tougher challenge this weekend and a potential title-defining encounter at second-placed Pirates Amateurs. A win for the Cherries could make them virtually uncatchable.

Torquay Athletic are probably already in that category in the Counties 2 Tribute Devon Division, where they hold a 14-point lead over nearest challengers Exeter Saracens.

The Tics crossed for eight tries in a 26-50 win at Topsham on Saturday, scorers were Morgan Alcock (2), Lewis Harben, George Mills, Mawgan Penrice, Joel Armitage, Ryan Hanauer and Matt Allanson. Penrice also slotted five conversions. The Tics host mid-table Withycombe this weekend.