Perfect response by wounded Barum

South West Premier

BARNSTAPLE are still the team to beat in the South West Premier. after coming out unscathed from an 18-3 victory over Brixham.

Following their defeat before Christmas, the league leaders responded in perfect fashion going ahead through a 19thminute Kyran McManus penalty.

Ryan Carter improved the lead to eight points before McManus added a second penalty to put his side 11-0 ahead.

In response Mitch Pinkus kicked a penalty to pull three points back before the break and reduce Brixham’s deficit, setting up an intriguing second period.

Barnstaple increased their advantage in the second half as Dylan Gosling scored a converted try to seal the win.

The win leaves Barnstaple one point clear of Maidenhead, but with two matches in hand.

However, Westonsuper- Mare could be Brixham’s closest challengers, sitting seven points behind the leaders but having played the same number of matches.

This weekend, Weston claimed their eighth win of the season as they overcame Camborne.

Tight-head prop Ollie Streeter and No.8 Brad Talbot ran in the tries, while Dan Lomax slotted two conversions.

Second-placed Maidenhead maintained the pressure on the leaders with a 44-27 win over Exmouth.

They came back from 20-7 down at the break to emerge victorious 44-27 with a score that did not tell the whole story.

Maidenhead were awarded a penalty try before the break, before tries from Niall Crosley, Scott Prince and a Ben Mitchell double.

Exeter University also continued their climb up the league with a 36-21 victory at Newbury Blues.

Launceston continued their climb away from the bottom three with a 20-16 win over mid-table side Ivybridge.

The Cornish All Blacks were awarded a penalty try before Dan Pearce kicked a penalty, but Ivybridge responded with a try of their own and, with a penalty, they took an 11- 10 lead into the break.

Launceston took control in the second half and scored nine points to seal the win.

Okehampton look handily placed for a topsix finish and improved their chances with a 23-11 victory over Drybrook.

A try for the hosts before the break was followed by two more to secure the win.