Bideford Under-11s hold off Bude's fightback

By arjones

BIDEFORD Under-11s enjoyed a 35-24 win at Bude.

Bideford led 35-7 at half-time with tries from Alfie Constable (three), Jack Willes and Josh Newby, all converted by Tom Squire.

Bude staged a great fightback in the second half but, with Alex Bone impressing in the second row, Bideford held on.

A combined South Molton Under-11 and 12s side played their first match of the season against Torrington and won 48-19.

Wet weather made handling difficult but there were some entertaining passages of play.

Molton's men of the match were Daniel Holland and Shane Sexon who scored two tries each.The other scorers were Jake Davies, William Thorne, Jack Muirhead and Marcus Slee.

South Molton Under-14s dominated against Torrington, running in several tries.

Instead of demoralising Torrie, the coaches agreed to end the game early and mixed the players up for a second match.

Bradley Drew showed strong running and there was good handling in the backs from Dom Thorne and Sam Wheeler.

In the Landscape League, South Molton lost 53-0 to Barnstaple Under-16s. The Barum try-scorers were Chris James (two), Henry Meredith (two), Sam Willoughby (two), Pat Sanders, Lloyd Chugg and Jamie Palfreyman. Sanders added four conversions.

Barnstaple Under-10s played Newton Abbot in two exciting games, winning the first eight tries to one and the second 10-3. The scorers were Charlie Taylor, Bryn Lee Hill, Martinas Dromitas, Flynn Elworthy (two), Max Davies (two) Harry Wilson Palmer (three), Charlie Hannan (four), Jake Hawkins (four).

● Rugby players from St Michael's School in Tawstock will represent Devon prep schools in an inter-county match.

Ross Clayton, Isaac Hydleman, Robbie Hume, Alex Lomas, Josh Roberts, Will Knill and Nik Harris are in the county squad to face Somerset.

The lads, who all play for Barnstaple Rugby Club, took part in a warm-up game against Wessex at Sherborne on Sunday.