Tics complete amazing year of victories

It has now been a full calendar year since Torquay Rugby Club tasted defeat, as they completed 26 consecutive victories with a solid 6-22 win at Honiton on the weekend.

In this incredible sequence of success since going down to a loss against Barnstaple on February 3, 2024, the Tics have scored an amazing 187 tries and they currently hold an immense 21-point lead at the top of the Counties 2 Tribute Devon Division with five games remaining.

Tics made the trip to East Devon with Head Coach Dan Williams and skipper Lewis Harben celebrating their birthdays, and the first gift came from Matt Butler, as the winger dotted down after a powerful Torquay scrum.

Honiton were battling manfully against a quality opponent but they were again undone by the lively Butler, who scored in the corner after the home side had failed to find touch from a clearing kick.

The 0-10 lead at half-time was extended by a further seven points when strong running in midfield created room for Callum Crocker to cross the whitewash. Lewis Crocker kicked the extra points.

Honiton responded with two penalties to give themselves a faint whiff of springing a surprise, but Tics quashed that hope with another slick move culminating in a simple try for Morgan Alcock.

Paignton Rugby Club are just one point behind leaders Pirates Amateurs in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division after the Cherries delivered an impressive 7-28 triumph at Wiveliscombe.

Tries from Jack Carlisle (2), Harry Law and Ellis Ward confirmed the five-point bonus win for Paignton, who now have a weekend break before resuming action at home to St Ives on February 15.

Brixham are the third Bay club locked into a riveting title race, as they retained a one-point lead over Barnstaple at the top of the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division. The Fishermen were made to work very hard before returning home from Marlborough with a 31-40 victory.

The two sides exchanged early penalties before Brixham edged ahead, 3-6, with another slotted kick, but Marlborough were first to cross the try line for a converted score on 11 minutes. Two more penalties for Brixham made the score 10-12.

Marlborough notched another try before the Fishermen finally breached the home defence, Matt Crosscombe doing the honours. More points were swapped and Marlborough held a slender 24-22 lead at the end of a breathless first period.

Yet another Brixham penalty was followed by another home score, and Brixham were in trouble at 31-25, but they responded with a superb late flurry of attacking rugby. Harry Rodwell and the impressive Kai Kidd both notched tries to give the Fishermen an unassailable lead.

Next up is a visit from Lydney on February 15.

The Counties 3 Tribute Devon SW Division is heading to an exciting conclusion and the second-string sides from Brixham, Paignton and Torquay all have some interest. Brixham 2nds are a point behind leaders Ivybridge 2nds, while both Paignton and Torquay still have hopes of a top-half finish.