Bideford Chiefs dismiss Devonport Services

Bideford Chiefs scored an impressive victory over Devonport Services last weekend, beating them 33 – 18, with the help of Matt Dennis who scored twice to give Bideford a valuable bonus point win over the visiting side.

Devonport arrived in Bideford on the back of two impressive results. Despite losing to Wellington they kept it to within a point, but had beaten Truro. With a new and reputable coaching team at the helm it was clear that they are a team with intentions of competing in this league.

Despite winning at Bude, the Chiefs felt they still had a lot to prove on the pitch. Bideford were put under pressure from the kick off. A dropped ball from Jono Mock gave them the momentum to start the first phase play which resulted in a penalty in front of the posts.

Bideford never really settled and an opportunist moment from Chris Snell to score wide on the right wing from a kick and chase, there was some dispute on the try but his leg was in the air on grounding not the on the floor of the touch line. Ollie Wickett stepped up to convert the kick.

Again an inadequate take from the kick off led to more attacks from the Services and eventually a try from Dylan Cossey which was converted by Matt Antis. The next try fell to Olde, but it was the quick thinking of Wickett who nudged over a beautiful chip for Olde to take in the middle of the pitch and sprint clear of the Devonport defence. Wickett converted the kick. Matt Anstis responded just before half time with a penalty.

Half time the scoreline was 14-13 and the crowd were fully entertained in an end-to-end match. The chiefs had a clear message at half time to remain calm, build on the phases and the scores would come.

The chiefs went for the corner early and treated the crowd to some great mauling which resulted in flanker Pana Ratu dropping the maul three times in a row and left the referee with no option but to give a penalty try which Wickett converted.

Devonport struck back with their own forward display. This time it was Pana Ratu scoring from close quarters.

Dennis, back on the pitch from prop to back row, was getting about the pitch and with another powerful forward play found himself driving over, with the assistance of Pauly Thomas.

Devonport are always a team we enjoy playing and they have improved massively since last season. Their set play caused us all sorts of problems and this is something were will work hard on this week in training. I can see them giving a lot of teams in our league problems. Hopefully they can keep their team together without losing their service men.

The men of the match awards were given to Matt Dennis and Jamie Giddy.

Jeff  King was instrumental in pulling the strings as stand-in manager for the absent Dave Harris. Without him the win would not have been possible - thanks Jeff!

Next week the Chiefs will travel to the on form Exeter Saracens who have won three on the bounce against Tavistock, Wellington and Truro.

Match report by Kevin Booth.

The full report and photos, as well as more information about Bideford RFC, can be found at: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bidefordrfc/s/match-report-38514.html?fixture_id=513558&official=1