Injury and defeat for Bideford as they fall 22-12 to Redruth second XV

Despite a spirited performance, Bideford suffered their fourth straight defeat, falling 22-12 to Redruth’s second XV, with Alex Hillman’s injury adding to their troubles

Bideford’S tough time in Counties Western West continued with a 22-12 defeat away to a strong Redruth second XV.

That’s four defeats on the trot for Bideford, who are rock bottom and pointless in the latest league table.

Bideford not only lost the match, they also lost full-back Alex Hillman with a broken collar bone.

Hillman, who had just scored Bideford’s second try, won’t be coming back as he has called it a day having suffered one-too-many injuries.

It may not have been the result he had been hoping for, but team manager Brad Goaman was encouraged by the team’s performance.

“A lot of the big components went well,” said Goaman.

“Our set piece was good, so was our scrum and maul, and we defended well all game against a very good side. I know we lost but the players were incredible.

“It’s important we stick together as results will come if we have a bit more accuracy in key moments.”

Redruth took the lead on 20 minutes when wing Luke Allington went over from a driving maul. Allington scored a second try.

Just on the stroke of half time Bideford were awarded a penalty try to go at the break 10-7 down. Redruth went down to 14 men due to a sin-binning.

Redruth had a strong wind behind them in the second half. Their good kicking game put pressure on Bideford and brought tries for Jess Tompsett and Adam Hall.

Eight minutes from time Hillman scored Bideford’s second try.

Dec Smale and Fraser Priest had big games for Bideford, who are at home to Bude this Saturday.

Barnstaple Athletic overcame Ivybridge Vandals 35-15 to ease into the last eight of the Devon second XV Cup. The artificial playing surface at Cross-in-Hand is made for running rugby and both sides used the opportunity to stretch their legs on it.

The game was close until the hour mark with Barnstaple just 23-15 ahead. Tries from Brendan Darley, Euan Kent and Ollie James, plus Harvey Rostock’s kicks, kept Barum out in front. Matt Finn and Toby Hosking scored tries for the Bridgers, with Hayden Coles adding a conversion and Matt Gilbury a penalty.

A Brendan Darley try gave Barum some breathing space going into the last 10 minutes. Forward thrust led to prop Gavin Mitchell burrowing over in the final few minutes for a fifth and final try that Rostock converted.

Barnstaple will travel to Brixham for a quarter-final on November 23.

South Molton had no game at first or second XCV level last Saturday.

Molton’s first XV are at home to Plymouth side OPM this Saturday afternoon.