With Newbury bottom of the table and Barnstaple having a successful season the largish crowd were expecting a cricket score, but Newbury didn't make the journey to roll over and battled to the end, before finally succumbing to three late tries.

The conditions were overcast and grey which threatened rain which never materialised, but a howling gale down to the clubhouse never let up, making kicking very difficult for both sides.

Barnstaple started well and with the first bit of space created, Will Topps scorched through for the opening score, Neil Giddy converting. Almost immediately a speculative kick by Will Topps was fumbled by the Newbury fullback, quick as a flash Will scooped up the ball and popped up for Linford Brock to score his debut try for the 1st XV, Neil again converting. Fairly soon after a Newbury lock was yellow carded for one offence to many in defence of his line. From the ensuring period of pressure Ryan Carter stepped and barged his way over, Neil was unable to convert, so the half time score was 19-0.
With wind in the favour in the second half Barum should have been able to exert a lot more pressure on Newbury and hopefully convert into points. Unfortunately for the home fans, Newbury didn't read the script and some poor decision making and tenacious defence kept Barnstaple from the bonus point try until the referee had enough of persistent scrum offences on the 5 yard line and gave a penalty try.
Shortly after with introduction of subs, Newbury's resistance crumbled and Dan Lee, Luke Berry and Toby Williamson scored late tries all but one converted to give a final score of 45-0.
In the end Barnstaple got the anticipated victory and bonus point, but the coaches will know with a bit more accuracy, the score could have been even better. Newbury are in an unenviable position and must be commended on their play and effort in the face of adversity, I hope for their sake they can get through the season and stabilize next year.
Next weeks Devon Derby with Newton Abbott is sure to be a cracking game and will be one all supporters will be looking forward too.