Bideford beat Torrington in North Devon derby

By [mjenkin]

THREE tries from Mark Schofield helped Bideford to a comfortable win over Torrington in Tribute Cornwall/Devon this afternoon.

The full-back was in deadly form as Biddy ran out 41-10 winners in torrential rain at King George's Field.

And Ollie Wickett made a welcome return from long-term injury, kicking 11 points to help the home side stamp their authority on the North Devon derby.

Off the back of six straight league wins, Bideford always looked like making it seven after Chris Snell touched down in the first minute.

Fly-half Wickett converted and with Bideford's backs attacking at pace, the contest was virtually over by half-time.

Schofield made a typical dash down the flank, taking Wickett's pass in his stride to quickly add a second try.

Luke Hoyle kept Torrington in touch with a penalty but Bideford regained the initiative as James Buckland seized on a kick from Wickett and Buckland went over.

Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland found a gap to increase the lead and Schofield flew down the left wing, completing his hat-trick for a 31-3 lead at the interval.

Replacement Jamie Morris powered over in the corner to give Bideford their sixth try 10 minutes into the second half.

To their credit, Torrington carried the fight up front for most of the second period as the driving rain added to the testing conditions.

After a period of sustained pressure, Blaine Quinlan claimed their consolation try and Hoyle curled in the conversion.

Four minutes from time, Wickett rounded off a successful return with a simple penalty between the posts.

See Thursday's Journal for a full report, reaction and photos from the derby.