Teams 
Tries: Charlie Stevenson (4), Mitch Harris (2), Sam Bola, Ned Pettifer, Dave Evans-Pearce
Conversions: Reece Pearn (8)
Bideford made the longest trip of their season with a depleted squad to face Dartmouth, missing several key players including Dean Folland, Ben Short, Dec Smale, Fraser Priest, Ash Crouch, and Jack Balsdon. Despite this, they were boosted by the return of students Ned Pettifer and Sam Picillo, alongside promising colts Harvey Beal, Harrison Rhodes, and Sam Bola. Charlie Stevenson also rejoined the side, fresh from what some might jokingly call his fifth holiday of the year.
Dartmouth, enduring a difficult season, delivered a performance full of resilience and pride. Despite the final scoreline, they never let their heads drop and pushed Bideford throughout the contest.
Playing uphill into a strong wind, Bideford started brightly. From an early scrum near midfield, Sam Bola broke powerfully from the base, setting up a flowing move finished by Stevenson under the posts, with Reece Pearn converting.
Dartmouth responded with a series of strong, close-range carries, eventually crossing from a well-executed pick-and-drive. However, Bideford quickly regained control. Mitch Harris capitalised on a missed clearance to score, before Bola grabbed his first senior try, finishing off a well-worked backs move after running an excellent support line.
Stevenson added his second soon after, thanks to a clever break from Sam Griffin, who split the defence before offloading for the winger to sprint clear. Pearn’s reliable boot kept the scoreboard ticking, and Ned Pettifer added another following sharp interplay in the backline.
Despite Bideford’s dominance, Dartmouth refused to fade. Their forward pack continued to grind away and were rewarded with a second try, again from close range. Just before halftime, the game was overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to Liam Balsdon, who suffered a serious blow to the eye and was later taken to hospital. Everyone at Bideford sends their best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
The second half saw Harrison Rhodes introduced, making an immediate defensive impact with a string of strong tackles. Bideford struck early again, with Stevenson completing his hat-trick after another slick backs move, Pearn adding the extras.
However, handling errors and loose passing crept into Bideford’s game, allowing Dartmouth to stay competitive. The hosts capitalised with another pick-and-drive score, continuing their effective forward-led approach.
Stevenson soon secured his fourth try of the match after sharp work from Pearn, before Harris produced a moment of individual brilliance, running from deep inside his own half and weaving through defenders to score under the posts.
The forwards then capped off the scoring, with a well-executed lineout drive seeing Dave Evans-Pearce power over, once again converted by the ever-reliable Pearn.
Credit must go to Dartmouth for their determination and hospitality. In a show of mutual respect, Bideford have agreed to return in pre-season for a joint training camp, further strengthening the bond between the two clubs after two competitive and spirited encounters.
Ladies
Bideford Ladies endured a tough afternoon on the road as they fell to a 67-15 defeat against Paignton Ladies. Despite the scoreline, Bideford showed determination throughout, continuing to battle against a well organised and clinical home side.
Paignton applied early pressure and capitalised on their opportunities, building a strong lead with effective forward play and quick ball movement. Bideford struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking momentum but continued to work hard in both defence and attack.
Bideford’s efforts were rewarded with three well earned tries, demonstrating resilience and commitment even as the game slipped out of reach. The team maintained their spirit until the final whistle, refusing to back down despite the challenging conditions.
Forward of the Match was awarded to Chloe Roissetter for her tireless work rate, strong carries, and defensive effort throughout the game. In the backs, Olivia Taylor earned Back of the Match for her determination, composure, and attacking intent whenever opportunities arose.
While the result didn’t go their way, Bideford Ladies can take positives from their perseverance and will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next fixture.
Thanks to Paignton for their hospitality and all the best for the rest of the season!
Devon cup final
Sb panthers vs bridges
In an absolute thriller of a final, the SB Panthers secured the Devon Cup with a gritty 25-22 victory over Bridges. It was a high-intensity battle from the kickoff, with neither side giving an inch. The Panthers’ defense held firm under immense pressure, putting all heart and soul into the game to finally in the closing minutes of the game get the win.
Standout Performers
While it was a massive shift from the entire squad, two players earned special recognition for their clinical performances:
- Forward of the Match: Emily Palmer – Dominant ball carrier and relentless at the breakdown.
- Back of the Match: Evie Rowntree – clinical under pressure, and strong defence.
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The Bottom Line: A historic win fueled by heart, discipline, and teamwork. The Devon Cup is coming home! 🔥
