Brixham back in the title hunt with Devonport Services victory

It is no exaggeration to say Brixham Rugby Club started 2026 with a must-win game if they are to retain title ambitions in the Regional 1 SW Division, and win they did!

The Fishermen travelled to Devonport Services with a big challenge to start catching their hosts and Topsham, who have both opened up a gap at the top of the league.

The first half was fairly turgid stuff, both teams cancelling each other out and the only score came from a Devonport penalty. The home side added two more penalties after the break to lead 9-0.

Brixham finally found some attacking momentum with a penalty of their own and then Kai Kidd dotted down for the crucial converted score. Leading 10-9 in the closing stages, the Fishermen survived one final scare when Devonport missed a routine penalty in front of the posts.

Victory secured and now absolutely essential Brixham follow it up at home to mid-table Exmouth this weekend, with a defining trip to Topsham waiting at the end of the month.

Paignton are in hot pursuit of Wiveliscombe in the Western West Division and they opened the new year with an incredible 73-33 win over Redruth 2nds.

While the Cherries will be disappointed with conceding so many points on their home patch, the attacking play was outstanding, including five tries in the first half to lead 35-14, and they scored even more after the break.

The try scorers on the day were Alex Pozniak (2), Dewald Stoop (2), Happy Makate, Jordan Hodge (2), Henry Hoare, Jack Carlisle, Tom Osborn and David Siddall. The extras were added by Brad McKee.

Lower down the division, Torquay Athletic secured a narrow South Devon success over Newton Abbot, 24-21, with tries from Harvey Dent, Lloyd Penhalagan and Lewis Crocker, who was also excellent with his kicking.