Raiders take on Eagles in 'sudden death'

SUDDEN death rugby comes to Barnstaple on Sunday when the North Devon Raiders host the East Devon Eagles in the South West RL Challenge Cup.

North Devon's newly formed rugby league side face the holders in the qualifying round at Pottington Road from 2.30pm.

The cup provides a welcome break from league action for the Raiders who have lost both games and conceded 58 points on each occasion.

Club spokesman Keith Fillingham is confident the Blue and Yellows will put up a better show against the Exmouth club.

He said: "Lack of numbers has been our downfall in both games so far, especially last week at Plymouth where we fielded a bare 13 while Titans had the luxury of five players on the interchange bench which, on a boiling hot day, proved decisive.

"With the week's break and the return of a number of players from university and rugby union, we are confident we can build on the team spirit we have already built in the short time we have been together.

"The Raiders can boast a group of quality rugby league players, such as Richard Pearce, Will Topps and Tom Pearce, and with a bit more strength in depth, it won't be long before we record our first victory."

The Eagles have played just once this season, losing 30-24 to the Devon Sharks and will be keen to regain last year's winning formula.

After winning all ten regular season games, they also clinched the South West Cup and their only defeat came in the South West Grand Final.

Drawing many of their squad from Exmouth RFC, players such as Tony Emmins, Mark Wathes and Richard Cady may be familiar to Barnstaple fans from their meetings with the National Three side.

Gates open at 1.30pm. Admission costs £2. Raiders members £1 and under-16s, accompanied by an adult, free.