Tics title secured but Brixham suffer shattering loss

It was a weekend of huge contrasting emotions for Torbay rugby, as Torquay Athletic confirmed the league title while Brixham suffered a potential season-shattering defeat at home to Sidmouth.

The Tics now have an unassailable lead at the top of the Counties 2 Tribute Devon Division after making it 20 wins from 20 games in a dominant league season. In their 150th year, Tics have scored over 1,000 points in this amazing campaign.

The club said: “It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without the hard work and determination displayed by the lads, week in, week out.

“A huge thanks to the players, to Head Coach Dan Williams, Assistant Coaches Jonny Brown and George Mills, Director of Rugby Matt McCann, the TARFC Medical Team, the supporters who have followed the team around the county with such devotion, and the board, volunteers, and staff who have worked so tirelessly in the background to keep everything running smoothly.

“What a day, what a team, what a club!”

Sadly for Brixham, it was a difficult day at Astley Park, as their title aspirations in the Regional 1 Tribute SW Division are now dependent on a slip-up from Barnstaple in the final two games of an enthralling season.

The Fishermen welcomed Sidmouth for a must-win fixture to maintain their slender lead at the top and a titanic tussle opened with the visitors scoring a neat try out wide. Sidmouth kept up the pressure with a second score after a spell of pounding the home defence.

Brixham found themselves 0-15 down after a successful penalty but a superb team move created space for Matt Crosscombe to dive over for a responding score. A second converted try from Louie Drennan reduced the deficit to just one point at half-time.

A penalty for Sidmouth made it 14-18 early in the second period but the Fishermen again responded, Niall Cooney crossing the whitewash. The conversion from Mitch Pinkus extended the lead to 21-18.

The breathless start to the second half continued with a yellow card for Crosscombe and Sidmouth scoring in the corner. A further penalty progressed the away advantage to 21-26 and with tension mounting, the visitors added another decisive try to seal the game.

Crosscombe returned to notch a final consolation try and the all-important bonus point but there was no time left to overtake Sidmouth. Barnstaple, meanwhile, trounced Royal Wootton Bassett 40-8 to open up a two-point lead in the table with two games remaining.

Paignton moved to within three points of leaders Pirates Amateurs in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West Division after a 61-12 demolition of lowly Tavistock. Tries for the Cherries came from Jack Linley-Shaw, Dewald Stoop, Tom Osborn, Harry Ward, Lewis Swar, Jack Carlisle (2), Josh Gillard and Jordan Hodge.

On the weekend of International Women’s Day, Paignton Ladies served up an incredible performance to win 96-0 at Totnes, with tries from Ellie Dyke (4), Lulu Sinar (2), Jess Mudge (2), Kate Barlow (4), Phoebe Reed and a penalty try. Charlotte Massey notched 13 conversions.