By Paul Cottle at the King George V Field, Bideford

COUNTIES ONE WESTERN WEST (SATURDAY)

Bideford 5 Bude 31

A TERRIFIC all-round performance from the 18-man squad secured a well-deserved victory for Bude over local rivals Bideford at King George V Field last Saturday, with a hat-trick of tries from player-coach, Joe Wilson, providing the gloss on a warm sunny afternoon on Torridgeside.

From the first whistle, with the home side roared on by a large partisan crowd, Biddy went on the attack and Bude were made to defend for all they were worth. 

However, on 5 minutes, after fly-half Matt Lewis had kicked a penalty award to touch near the visitors’ line, a classic catch and drive move from the lineout resulted in an unconverted try wide out on the right from hooker, Dean Folland.

Despite this early setback, Bude responded quickly and in the 15th minute, following a penalty award initially taken on by the pack, the ball was worked back to inside-centre Wilson, and he forced his way over from close range. His midfield partner, Will Pharo, added the extras and the visitors were in front at 7-5.

Back came the home side, and with Bude’s defensive line under severe pressure, they were forced to concede a string of penalties in their own 22, the last of which resulted in second row Freddie Saxton being shown a yellow card. It was harsh, but the cumulative effect of the visitors’ transgressions stacked up against him.

Despite the one-man advantage, Biddy were unable to make their superior numbers count and after a 31st minute penalty kick from Pharo had fallen short, Bude doubled their lead with seven minutes of the half remaining when Wilson finished off good work by his pack to claim his second try of the afternoon. Again, Pharo converted and at the break the visitors led 14-5.

With the breeze now benefitting the home side, the visitors girded themselves for a kicking barrage from deep. However, none came and instead, the second half turned into a bit of an arm wrestle amongst the forwards, with the occasional flare-up. 

Early in the second period, hooker Rory Mead crossed the try line for Bude’s third five pointer of the afternoon, after more good work from his fellow pack members.

However, just beyond the hour mark, Wilson made the game all but safe for the Seasiders, as he claimed his hat-trick score and a bonus point for the visitors. Pharo added the extras once more and at 26-5 in the visitors’ favour and it would be a long way back for the home side.

Two further late yellow cards for replacement back row Harvey Cholwill and full-back Olly Denford, both for technical offences, created a few late scares in the Seasiders’ ranks, but in truth their defence held up well.

The final score came in the final minute from number eight 8 Ben Hancock, after the visitors had opted to run a penalty award in the hosts’ 22, was heartily cheered by the band of travelling supporters.

This win now takes the Seasiders to relative security of seventh place in the 12-team division, with Bideford firmly rooted to the bottom slot, yet to gain any league points.

This Saturday sees the hosts welcome promoted Redruth Seconds (3pm), while the seconds, who were beaten 50-22 by Illogan Park in Counties Three Cornwall, go to Launceston Castles. Both games start at 3pm.

BUDE: Olly Denford, Ben Tharme, Will Pharo, Joe Wilson, Ollie Rowland, Brad Thomas, Alfie Hurwood; Nick Waterson, Rory Mead, Chris Allin, Will Hockridge (capt), Fred Saxton, Finley Fry, Matt Maniglia, Ben Hancock. Replacements: Fraser Martyn, Harvey Cholwill, Charlie Watton.

Tries: Wilson (3), Mead, Hancock; Convs: Pharo (3); Pens: N/A.

Bude man of the match: Joe Wilson.