Rivals stay unbeaten after clash

By arjones

THE weather played havoc with the North Devon Contractors Youth League with games in all age groups being called off and many of what were played being seriously affected by the elements.

One such game was in the Under-11s Division with Bideford Blues and Barnstaple Youth going head to head with unbeaten records.

In a strong wind, Barum were a goal down at the break, but in the second half, with the elements in their favour, Will Haynes grabbed a deserved equaliser.

Barum coach Ian Griffiths said: "It was a game spoilt by the weather but what football that was played showed two good and well-matched sides."

North Molton gained their first win of the league season, beating Appledore 3-1 through Daniel Kennett, Jonathan Cording and an own goal.

Just one under-10s game beat the weather and it was a close encounter at SAS where Bideford Blues went down 2-1.

In an enthralling contest, Bideford Blues Under-12s led 2-0 at home to Torridgeside in Division One before the visitors levelled, only for Blues to score twice in the last five minutes to bank the points.

Matty Fay hit a hat-trick as Bideford Blues Under-13s continued their winning start to the campaign with an 8-1 home victory over Holsworthy.

Billy Taylor (two), Aarron Schuster, Ryan Peters and goalkeeper Bradley Westacott also notched.

There was a second defeat of the season for Barnstaple Youth who went down 4-2 at home to a Kilkhampton side that have won all but one of their six outings this term. Playing against the wind before the break, Kilk trailed 1-0, but after changing ends they took charge to score four times through Jack Watson (two), Joe Hurrell and Jake Webster.

In the Under-14s Division, Bideford Blues became the first side to stop North Molton winning, holding them to a 2-2 draw. Sean Pontin's goal for Blues was answered by strikes from Callum Goff and Finlay Clay before a splendid header by Kierron Jewell ensured it was honours even.

There were nine goals at North Molton Stags where Okehampton went down 5-4. Both sides were seeking a first win and it was the hosts smiling at full-time thanks to a hat-trick from Chris Jordan and goals by Prince Sexon and Ryan Wheeler.

South Molton Under-15s won 2-0 at Torridgeside. Tom Roode put Molton ahead and the hosts might have taken something from the game but for a magnificent save by Frazer Reeve in the second half.Cassian Blackmore scored a late second to seal the win.

The only 100% record in the section was maintained as Bideford Blues won a sixth straight game, beating SAS Hunters 8-0.