Teams 
Bideford Colts 21 – Trojans Colts 17
A bumper Good Friday crowd at King George’s Field was treated to a gripping and high-quality encounter under the floodlights, as Bideford Colts overcame an unbeaten Hampshire touring side in dramatic fashion.
Facing a strong Trojans squad 37 players deep, Bideford were initially slow out of the blocks and fell behind early, conceding two quick tries. With sharp handling and dangerous attacking players, Trojans looked poised to take control, and it seemed Bideford might be on the back foot for much of the contest.
However, the home side soon found their rhythm. Dominant forward carries, powerful driving mauls from the lineout, and resolute defence turned the tide. As ruck speed improved, Bideford’s quality began to shine through. Leading by example, skipper Ryan Hutchings powered over for a crucial try, and a well-struck conversion from Billy Williams-Rice narrowed the gap to 12–7 at the break. Game very much on.
Trojans introduced a fresh 15 for the second half, while Bideford made minimal changes—but it was the hosts who seized control. A sustained period of defensive resilience saw Bideford repeatedly hold up Trojans over their own line, refusing to yield.
Stand-in scrum-half Oscar Price delivered an outstanding performance, capped by a stunning solo try. Picking up from the base of a scrum, he broke down the wing, sprinting half the length of the pitch, weaving and stepping past defenders before touching down in front of the main stand.
Replacement fly-half Finley Potter added the extras and was exceptional throughout, controlling play with his boot and attacking the line with confidence. His crisp short ball released hard-running centre Freddie Allebone – Parish, who made a superb break but was hauled down just short of the line.
Bideford’s pressure eventually told, and Charlie Corner finished off a period of dominant possession with a well-earned close-range try. Potter was once again pinpoint with the conversion, extending the lead to 21–12.
Despite relentless late pressure, Trojans managed one more score, but Bideford held firm in the closing stages, managing the game intelligently to secure a deserved and jubilant victory.
After the match, Trojans admitted they had never lost on tour and are the reigning Hampshire Colts Champions—making the result even sweeter for the home side, much to the delight of the crowd.
Another standout team performance as Bideford now look ahead to the Devon Plate Final against Cullompton in two weeks’ time.
Man of the Match: Oscar Price
