Brilliant Brixham batter the league leaders in Devonport demolition

It has been a slow burner for Brixham Rugby Club in the opening weeks of the new season but the Fishermen have now caught fire with a superb 59-10 destruction of early pacesetters Devonport Services.

Brixham rattled in an impressive nine tries, defying tricky conditions at Astley Park and recovering from the concession of an early score to start the fun with hooker Harry Rodwell forcing his way over the line after a relentless spell of pressure on the Devonport defence.

The second score saw Jason Capaldi dive under the posts, followed by fly half Mitch Pinkus picking up the pieces to score from a blocked kick. Number four came from a quick tap and surge over the line by Jamie Hext, taking advantage of an increasingly weary Devonport backline.

The middle try of nine was a special moment for debutant Jay Marsters, who powered through to mark his welcome to Astley Park. Tommie Drennan was denied a clear try by a strange refereeing decision but the frustration was quickly quelled by Andre Simonetti finishing off a lovely team move.

Simonetti soon doubled his personal tally and Drennan, belatedly, got his name on the try list with a close-range finish after more powerful play from the home pack. The final try of a special day for Brixham was scored by Capaldi, racing clear to score in the corner. The Fishermen travel to Exmouth this weekend.

There was also a great win for Brixham Crusaders, sauntering to a 48-7 victory over Plymouth Argaum, while the Albion completed a treble with a 31-5 triumph over Honiton 2nds.

Torquay Athletic bagged their first win of the league season with a dominant performance at home to Barnstaple 2nds. Morgan Alcock and Jonny Brown both scored twice and Ben Sharples also crossed the whitewash in a 31-7 win, with Mawgan Penrice adding the extras.

The Tics 2nds raced in nine tries in a 57-13 thumping of Plympton Victoria. There was a hat-trick for Matt Butler, with further scores from Harvey Dent (2), Roo Prince (2), Antony Syms and Nathan Hallewell, plus Lochy Choules doing damage with the boot.

Paignton completed a happy weekend for Bay clubs by defeating Truro 31-17. Michael Fletcher, Dewald Stoop and Jack Carlisle all powered over for a 19-3 lead at the break, and the Cherries carried that momentum into the second period with further scores from Stoop and Fletcher.

After slipping to a defeat at Devonport Services on the opening weekend of the Women’s NC2 SW season, Paignton Ladies responded with a superb 57-10 success at Newton Abbot Ladies.

Tries from Ellie Dyke, Tabby-Lane Maddox and Abby Brett, plus extras notched by Charlotte Massey, gave the Cherries a half-time lead of 17-5.

After the break, however, Paignton were simply relentless. Dyke added a second to her personal tally, Jordan Crook also bagged a brace and there were tries for Kessen Porter, Kate Barlow and Alisha Hackman.

The future of rugby in Torbay was given a massive tick in the box with the Trever Ward Youth Rugby Festival hosted at Queens Park.

The next generation of rugby talent from across the region packed into Paignton for a celebration of the game, superbly hosted by the home club and great to see rugby being celebrated and enjoyed by so many young players.