BRIXHAM RUGBY CLUB

2010/11 For details of last season click here

Team Contacts
First XV Manager: Barry Thomas
01803 853427 07798845147 email:bt52@hotmail.co.uk

4th February BRIXHAM v CLEVE (Match postponed)
Only the Penryn v Paignton game survived the weather!

28th January OLDFIELD OB 23 BRIXHAM 19
There was almost a sense of déjà vu in Bath as, for the second week running, Brixham took an early lead; surrendered it; nearly came from behind but only took a losing bonus point home to Astley Park. Despite the loss, their lead at the top of the table is still eight points as Camborne beat Avonmouth to move into second position.
At Fortress Shaft Road, the home of Oldfield, the Fishermen attacked from the outset and with just three minutes played No 8 Martin Browne went over in the corner for the opening try. Brixham continued to press in the opening quarter but a missed penalty goal was the only real chance to extend their lead.
Midway through the half a Brixham mistake in midfield set up an attacking position for the hosts and a converted try put them ahead. They extended their lead after their scrum-half found acres hectares of space to run through and a simple pass out for their try. The conversion and a subsequent penalty took them to 17-5 at the break.
Soon after the restart a second penalty goal added another three points to the lead. Brixham began their fightback but were thwarted by tenacious tackling and struggled to string together the attacking phases. Ten minutes into the half the Brixham pack combined to drive forward 15 metres and released the ball for scrum-half Ashley Weston to go over in the corner for a try. Lovell converted and Brxham were on the way back. With the hosts tiring Brixham began to get on top but could find no way through and a penalty to Oldfield did not aid their cause.
Ten minutes from time the Brixham forwards again combined to drive over for a try and with the conversion the deficit was down to four points and victory a possibility. With their attacking ambitions repeatedly negated Brixham failed to find the winning score. Oldfield were understandably jubilant; for Brixham the long journey home awaited. A return to winning ways against Cleve next weekend is needed to get the season back on track.

21st January WADEBRIDGE 22 BRIXHAM 20
The strong wind at Wadebridge was always going to make it a game of two halves and the Fishermen, playing against it in the first period, needed to ensure that it did not have too much effect. Opening strongly, Brixham attacked and winger Jamie Shone was brought down inches short of the Wadebridge line in the first attack. Minutes later the early pressure brought a penalty in front of the posts which Shone converted for the lead.
Wadebridge used the wind to gain position in a fairly even first half; Brixham often using strong running to break out. Unfortunately the Fishermen were making too many errors to capitalize and such errors led to them conceding two tries, both converted. The second, at the end of the half, put them 14-3 behind at the break.
Five minutes into the second period Brixham had reduced the deficit when Shone went over in the corner for a try and Brixham continued to press forward. It took Wadebridge 13 minutes to get into the Brixham 22 but when they did so their forwards established an attacking position; the ball was spun out and a missed tackle later they had their third try.
Brixham strained to pull the match back and a period of sustained pressure on the Wadebridge line eventually led to the forwards driving over for a try. Shone converted and Brixham had ten minutes to come back from 19-15 behind.
With the match poised for a nailbiting ending, heavy drizzle began to blow in from the Atlantic and up the Camel Estuary. Wadebridge kept the ball tight with their pack and put the Brixham defence under pressure. The try line eluded them but a penalty goal extended the lead to seven points with the clock already in "added time".
One final attack by Brixham was rounded off by winger Tom Goodman touching down in the corner. The chance to spare the spoils rested with the conversion. Brixham had claims that the kick should have been re-taken but it went narrowly wide and the final whistle immediately ensued.

14th January BRIXHAM w/o BERRY HILL
With the Hill unable to raise a side, Brixham extended their lead at the top without a game.

7th January AVONMOUTH 6 BRIXHAM 9
BRIXHAM went six points clear of Avonmouth at the top of the table by winning what was always going to be a tense affair.
As the Old Boys have a game in hand on Brixham they may have lost the battle, but they haven't lost the war yet.
However, the Mouth need to bounce back quickly this Saturday against Oldfield, who are the only other team to beat them this season.
The game was decided on penalties with the winner coming a minute from the end of normal time when Brixham stand-off Ian Morgan knocked over his third of the afternoon.
Having missed an ambitious effort early on, Morgan had another shot after 10 minutes which did [go] over.
A second Morgan penalty made it 6-0 to Brixham before Joe Wearne pulled one back for the Mouth.
With James McCormack showing up well at prop for Avonmouth, the Old Boys had an edge in the tight in the first half.
After the break Brixham took slight control with No. 8 Martin Browne impressing.
Wearne levelled for Avonmouth with his second penalty and it stayed six each despite both sides spurning chances.
A tackle offence by Mouth skipper Neil Evans on Brixham's Dylan Flashman gave Morgan the chance to slot the winner.
Sunday Independent January 8, 2012

17th December BRIXHAM 42 THORNBURY 20
The Fishermen enter the festive season on top of the League after Saturday's win over Thornbury. They gained revenge for their early season defeat with a strong second-half display.
Come the end of the season Thornbury will probably win the prize for the fastest try; taking the lead in the first thirty seconds. Brixham were back on level terms after five minutes when winger Tom Goodman went over in the corner and soon took the lead when flanker Tom Clarke peeled off a rolling maul to go over in the other corner. Into a strong breeze both conversions were missed.
Midway through the half Thornbury lost the chance to narrow the gap when a penalty goal attempt came back off the post but in the ensuing play turned the ball over and ran in an easy try - the conversion put them ahead. Another penalty stretched their lead. With half-time approaching Brixham began to take control of the game and a series of attacks by the forwards culminated in the ball being released for full-back Ian Morgan to touch down in the left corner. The tricky conversion gave Brixham a 17-15 lead at the break.
In the second half the Brixham reduced the unforced error count and with the aid of the slope and wind began to dominate. Within five minutes they had increased their lead when debutant scrum half Ashley Weston skipped around a ruck to dive over for a try. Morgan added the extras from the touchline. Thornbury scored their third try to reduce the deficit to four points but that was as good as it got for the Gloucestershire boys. Two penalties from the boot of Morgan eased Brixham ahead as they turned pressure, possession and territory into points.
More driving play by the forwards laid the platform for another first-team debutant to get onto the scorecard when Weston flipped the ball up for lock Liam Boyd to crash over. Brixham's sixth and final try went to No 8 Martin Browne after several attacking phases left the Thornbury defence in disarray.

10th December PENRYN 18 BRIXHAM 19

3rd December BRIXHAM 29 PAIGNTON 20
With the season reaching its half-way point next weekend, Brixham strengthened their grip on second place after a tense local derby.
Paignton started strongly and dominated the opening exchanges. Against the run of play Brixham took the lead on ten minutes when outside half Ian Morgan slotted a penalty but parity was soon restored when Paignton did likewise. Uncharacteristic handling errors by the Brixham backs were a feature of the first half and the Fishermen struggled to get any continuity into their play. A five minute spell midway through the half left Brixham reeling. After a defensive mistake; Paignton hacked the ball through and won the chase to touch down for the opening try. Then they showed the value of good handling and support to run through for a second. With both tries converted Brixham were trailing 17-3.
Though their scrum was at times under pressure, the Brixham pack set about turning the tide. Hooker Tom Clarke was on hand to score Brixham's opening try after a rolling maul rumbled over 20 metres towards the left corner. Morgan missed the difficult conversion and Paignton struck another penalty before the break. 20-8 at half-time and Brixham had it all to do in the second half.
Whatever was said during the interval clearly had the desired impact on Brixham in the second half. Brixham started to dominate territorially and after just five minutes had narrowed the gap. After the forwards had pressed on the right the ball was spun out to the left wing where Jamie Phillips raced over for a try converted by Morgan. More pressure brought no more scores as the Paignton defence proved resilient and time was running out for Brixham. Three minutes from the end of normal time and Brixham had a scrum on the 22 in front of the Paignton posts. No 8 Martin Browne peeled off the back with the ball and found centre Tom McLean whose angled run cut through the defense and over for a try. Morgan's conversion put Brixham ahead again and the relief of the Brixham supported was palpable.
In injury time Brixham secured a bonus point with their fourth try. Another forward drive being finished off when centre Kyle Browne joined in on the back to touch down. Morgan converted with the last kick of the match and the Brixham comeback was complete.

19th November CULLOMPTON 20 BRIXHAM 20
Prospects initially looked grim for the home side as Ian Morgan Brixham, fly half and playmaker, first probed Cully’s defence with a crossfield kick and then confidently passed up the chance of a kickable penalty in favour of going for a five metre lineout. Cullompton held out this attack and the subsequent one but on nine minutes another lineout in the home twenty two allowed Brixham to pull in players on the right of the field and Morgan then passed long to a three man overlap on the left for winger Tom Goodman to touch down. Morgan kicked the conversion but the 0-7 lead only lasted two minutes. Flanker Stuart Persey leapt high to claim the restart with the ball passing through flyhalf Alex Brooks to hooker Jeremy Turner, who presented with a gaping hole in the Brixham defence, ran in between the posts to give fullback Adam Pearce the easiest of conversions to restore parity at 7-7. The try was a shot in the arm for the whole team and as a man they stepped up their game and the rest of the match was very much a trial of strength between equals.
The Cully scrum had the upper hand throughout the match with tight head prop Henry Weekes regularly forcing the Brixham loosehead into a standing position until he was replaced towards the end of the first half. Parallels were beginning to emerge with this and the Avonmouth match when the official awarded the visitors numerous penalties even although Cully loosehead Dan Morgan forced the regular collapse and eventual replacement of opposition tighthead Grant Britton. On this occasion the Cullompton scrum was only penalised twice but the Brixham antics completely escaped sanction, which many considered significant in a tight match. The Cully defence was nothing short of heroic and the commitment and effort expended by every member of the team could be judged by the fatigue etched on the face of number eight Steve Nockles as he pulled off his scrum cap at the end of the game.
On fourteen minutes Weekes gave away a penalty for a late tackle on Morgan. Unfortunately for Brixham Morgan seemed to misunderstand Henry’s motives and rebuffed the embrace with an elbow to the face. A clear case of unrequited love left the ref with no alternative but to reverse the award and Pearce stroked in the penalty for a 10-7 lead. Eight minutes later Cullompton were penalised for failing to release a lively Brixham ball carrier who seemed to have ambitions to go further and Morgan potted the equalizer. Shortly afterwards a good break by number eight Steve Nockles taken on by flanker Stuart Persey set up a strong position in the Brixham twenty two. After a knock on Cully turned the opposition scrum on the five yard line and from the reset flanker Greg Lock peeled off ,threaded a grub kick into the in goal area and for some reason not observed by the referee went flat on his face as he pursued the ball through the Brixham players . Another notable scoring attempt was a Brooks drop kick which just failed to clear the bar but the score remained 10-10 at the break.
On fifty three minutes, whilst Persey was still in the bin for a controversial late tackle, Cully scored another seven points. With play in the Cully twenty two, the ball was dislodged from the hands of dangerous winger Tom Goodman by his opposite number Lee Powell, and was kicked through and collected by centre Jemba Bull who ran seventy metres drawing away from his pursuers for a try converted by Pearce. Ten minutes later Brixham equalised after a concerted attack involving several penalty awards against the defenders and eventually hooker Tom Clarke went in at the base of a maul and Morgan converted to bring the score level and then put his team in the lead with another penalty when Lock was yellow carded for offside . With the score at 17-20 and down to fourteen men Cully spent most of the next ten minutes on the offensive and shortly after the return of Lock won a penalty when Morgan was sin binned for not releasing in the tackle. With four minutes left on the clock Pearce coolly slotted the pressure kick for a 20-20 and Cully returned to the offensive with a barnstorming finish when a fine kick by stand in fly half James Shere left the Brixham winger in possession by the corner flag and he was bundled into touch to win a five metre lineout. The attack ended with a knock on and the whistle sounded leaving the result a draw which was an accurate reflection of play in an entertaining game.

12th November BRIXHAM 79 SIDMOUTH 7
After narrowly losing out to Paignton in the Devon Cup last weekend Sidmouth were expected to provide stiff opposition to the Fishermen. After struggling to cope with the pace and handling of both the Brixham backs and forwards they returned home having conceded thirteen tries.
When Brixham were caught offside in the opening minute Sidmouth had the opportunity to open the scoring. The penalty drifted wide and Brixham set about their task of dismantling the Green Machine. Fifteen minutes and three tries later the demolition was well on its way. All three were scored in the left corner by winger Tom Goodman. Swift hands and good attacking lines gave him space for the first two; the third coming after a crossfield run and long pass by scrum-half Sean Onslow. Strong driving by the forwards resulted in flanker Sam Thomas touching down for the fourth try and almost straight from the restart centre Kyle Browne went down the wing for the fifth.
Before the break Brixham had six. A 5 metre lineout; a strong run by hooker Tom Clarke and lock Adam Thomas was in support to score. With three conversions Brixham turned around 36-0 ahead.
From the restart the Brixham onslaught continued but an interception gave Sidmouth possession, an attacking position and a converted try. Hope for the visitors but just a blip for the Fishermen. In the ensuing ten minutes Kyle Browne ran in for two tries and Clarke was bundled over the line by the pack.
Browne completed his hat-trick midway through the half and took the try-tally into double figures. With play almost entirely in the Sidmouth half the scoring spree continued to the end. When Brixham stole lineout ball the attack concluded with prop Gareth Williams powering over from close range for the eleventh try. Neat football skills nearly earned Browne his fifth try but from the following lineout Chey Bryce went over for number twelve. Goodman finished the game as he had started it - with his own fourth try. A neat crossfield kick by Ian Morgan found him in the corner with support and no need to stretch his legs - just touch the ball down.

29th October CHOSEN HILL 7 BRIXHAM 64
The Chosen Hill report:
Right in the match until half time, Chosen’s young and injury ravaged side were overwhelmed in the second period as rampant Brixham ran in nine tries to earn the five points needed to take them to the top of the South West One West table.
Chosen stated the match with three seventeen year old backs and included club stalwart Dale Rennebach at centre after he stepped in at the last moment when Steve Merrick suffered a leg injury in the warm-up.
With the advantage of the slope and wind Chosen were soon on the attack and went close on several occasions before they eventually opened the scoring after twenty minutes. A break from halfway by centre Max Hough was carried on well by the experienced Rennebach who was halted just short of the line but his forwards, all of whom put in fine performances, were on hand to win quick rucked ball and in-form flanker Tom Gyde dived over for the try. Outside Half Mark Yemm added the conversion in what turned out to be Chosen’s final scoring opportunity.
Brixham responded by charging up field and when they were awarded a kickable penalty chose instead to kick for the corner and go for the line out but Chosen defended well and turned the ball over allowing Yemm to clear the line.
Another Brixham attack, this time a driving maul was halted near the line but Chosen second row Ryan Collier was deemed to have collapsed the maul and was yellow carded. Even with just seven forwards the home side kept the visitors at bay until on the stroke of half time Brixham finally used their forwards to drive over the line for a try converted by outside half Ian Morgan that levelled the scores.
Minutes into the second half Chosen suffered two huge blows when first centre Hough had to leave the field with an ankle injury and then second row James Hemming joined him on the sidelines with a back injury.
With Morgan calling the shots from outside half he kept Chosen pinned inside their own twenty two and two quick converted tries put the visitors into a comfortable fourteen point lead.
Trying to play catch up rugby, Chosen inevitably made errors and the visitors backs were quick to latch onto them spreading the ball wide and running in four more tries in quick succession. Having used all their replacements and with full back Ashley Lewis limping heavily, Chosen conceded three more tries in the final five minutes, unfortunately the last of which saw young scrum-half Tom Darby picking up a serious looking leg injury as he tried to halt the Brixham attacking move.
And from Dave Booth of the North Gloucester Combination:
Brixham in the end ran out comfortable winners, scoring a few tries at the end, but were behind for the first 30mins as the home side went into a seven point lead. Brixham are a big strong well drilled outfit, as well as being ambitious to climb the leagues and seem to be on their way to promotion, but all though the final score was 64-7 in their favour, Chosen Hill never gave in, which considering the horrendous injury crisis they are experiencing, they deserve credit for "their never say die" attitude.

22nd October BRIXHAM 30 CAMBORNE 20
Despite a hard fought win over the combative Cornishman, Brixham dropped off the League top spot after missing out on a bonus point. In the face of determined opponents Brixham showed only glimpses of their recent form and will not want to remember the game for too long.
Pressure from Brixham in the opening stages took them to a six-point lead thanks to a pair of Ian Morgan penalties but were unable to hang on to it. Camborne weren't at Astley Park to make up the numbers and a converted try and a penalty saw them briefly take the lead.
Within minutes Brixham regained it after a run by centre Kyle Browne. He had support but decided he did not need it and crashed over for a try; Morgan added the extras. Before the break Morgan added to his tally with another penalty and Brixham turned around 16-10 ahead.
In the second period Camborne opened strongly but went further behind after Browne ran in a second try. With the Brixham scrum under pressure, strong running from the Camborne centre and astute kicking kept the Fishermen pinned back for most of the second half. A converted try and a penalty brought the Brixham lead down to three points midway through the half and a return trip across the Tamar with a win seemed a real possibility.
A rare foray into Camborne territory ten minutes before the end and Brixham won a lineout ten metres out. The catch and drive took them to within a yard. Those last three feet were won by the power and persistence of Tom Clark. Morgan added the conversion. Camborne deserved something out of the game and in the remaining time struggled to get it. Two penalty attempts that might have secured at least a losing bonus point went astray and Brixham hung on for the victory.

October 15th CLEVE 17 BRIXHAM 36
Brixham returned from their trip to Bristol with the league points safely gathered in but missed out on a bonus point.
In a game that was probably more even than the scoreline suggests Brixham took an early lead when outside-half Ian Morgan slotted a penalty. The lead did not last long. Brixham failed to clear their line and a try put Cleve ahead. Almost immediately Brixham hit back. A catch and drive took the Brixham pack over the try-line; hooker Tom Clark grounding for a try that Morgan converted.
Brixham went further ahead when they won the ball in the Cleve 22 and capitalised with their second try; Morgan again adding the extras.
Twenty minutes gone and Brixham had a 12 point lead but any thoughts of sitting on it were rudely dashed when a Cleve prop dived over for a try. Brixham had been stung back into action and before the break Clark was driven over for a second time; Morgan converted and Brixham turned around 24-10 ahead.
In the second half both sides had difficulty coming to terms with some of the refereeing decisions. Morgan slotted his second penalty midway though the period but a converted try by the hosts reduced the Brixham lead to ten points. Pressure on the Cleve line in the dying stages brought three kickable penalties - all converted into points by Morgan - and Brixham retained the top spot in the table.

8th October BRIXHAM 65 OLDFIELD OB 9
Brixham claimed the top spot in the league with a sparkling ten try victory over the erstwhile leaders. Oldfield had a reputation for having dangerous backs but they were well contained by Brixham.
Centre Kyle Browne opened the scoring in the tenth minute when his long run carved through the visitors' defence. Outside-half Ian Morgan converted to set Brixham on their way. Oldfield replied with a penalty goal but Brixham went further ahead when a lineout catch and drive took hooker Tom Clarke over. Oldfield dropped a goal in response but the Fishermen extended their lead when Morgan touched down. The visitors responded again - with a penalty goal - before Brixham scored their fourth try; scrum-half Sean Onslow touching down to secure the bonus point.
With the score at 26-9 Oldfield could look back on a first half in which, with the aid of the slope and the breeze, they had had the edge in terms of possession but undone by the Fishermen's defence, penetrative running and support play.
Within a minute of the restart any hopes of an Oldfield comeback were shattered by three Brixham tries in ten minutes. Kyle Browne went over for the first, touching down under the posts. Tom Clark got the second after a forward drive and Browne completed his hat-trick after a long, mazy run by his brother Martin had left the Oldfield defence in disarray. Morgan converted two and then slotted a penalty.
Oldfield were now playing for pride, rather than in hope of victory, and were denied a try when a foot in touch offended. Winger Tom Goodman, for Brixham, kept clear of the touchline when he finished off two moves in quick succession with tries in the corner after swift passing play by the backs.
Lock Steve Trust was denied a place on the scoresheet when his try was deemed held-up over the line but a minute later another strong run from No 8 Martin Browne sucked in the defenders leaving Goodman clear to complete his hat-trick and touch down for the tenth try.
In the last ten minutes Oldfield were twice denied a consolation try - first by a knock-on with the line at their mercy and then, again, by the touchline.

1st October BRIXHAM 55 WADEBRIDGE CAMELS 20
It's all change at the top after the latest round of matches. Brixham did their bit with a nine-try thrashing of Wadebridge to set themselves up for table-topping Oldfield next weekend.
After flanker Sam Thomas crashed over for a try in the second minute there was little looking back. Wadebridge kicked a long-range penalty soon after but this was more than atoned for when No 8 Martin Browne ran in the second Brixham try. A lineout close to the Wadebridge line brought the third after centre Kyle Browne joined in the forward drive and grounded under the pile of bodies. Outside-half Ian Morgan had converted two of the tries and with just over ten minutes played Brixham had a 19-3 lead.
Two tries in quick succession, after a second Wadebridge penalty, from Martin Browne and full-back Jake Chapman pulled the Fishermen further ahead midway through the half.
Wadebridge were shell-shocked but began to pose more of a threat and, eventually, were rewarded with a try. The referee clearly did not see the obvious knock-on which preceded it. With half-time approaching Brixham got their sixth try. A clearance kick by the visitors was fielded near the half-way line and quick passing and pace put Chapman over in the corner. A similar move moments later was not so successful when the Wadebridge centre intercepted and ran clear for a try. The conversion left the score 36-20 at half-time.
In the second period the game failed to maintain the scoring pace. Brixham increased their lead early on when Kyle Browne went over for a try converted by Morgan but Wadebridge enjoyed far more of the possession and began to control play to a greater extent.
A third try from Kyle Browne nudged Brixham further ahead after he again joined a forward drive. Much huffing and puffing by the Cornish forwards took them close to the Brixham line on a couple of occasions in the final quarter but there was no way through the Brixham defence which also conceded no kickable penalties. Brixham had the final say in the match after centre Tom McLean raced down the touchline only to be hauled down just short of the line. A true champagne moment saw winger Peter Chart in support and score the try.

24th September BERRY HILL 16 BRIXHAM 29
Brixham returned from their visit to the Forest of Dean with a useful victory but annoyed with themselves over the number of penalties they conceded.
The defences were on top during the opening stages and penalty goals were all that the scoresheet showed. Outside-half Ian Morgan kicked four for the Fishermen with two in reply by the Hill. As half-time approached Brixham upped the tempo and Morgan squeezed over in the corner for a try - despite the protestations of the touch judge that he had put a foot in touch. A third penalty goal for the hosts took the score at the break to 17-9.
From the restart Brixham were back on the offensive and quick handling put No 8 Martin Browne clear for a try which Morgan converted. Gloucestershire legend Ian Osborne was brought on by the hosts to steady the ship and he duly obliged by slipping inside the defence for a try near the posts and some easy extras.
Brixham had their own legend on the bench. Peter Chart replaced Jamie Phillips in the second half, 212 games and almost 20 years since he first appeared for the Fishermen.
Brixham had the final word when power and pace sent winger Tom Goodman over for a try.

17th September BRIXHAM 32 AVONMOUTH OB 32
A second high-scoring match and Brixham have now scored more points, and conceded more, than any other club in the League. Conceding two converted tries in the last ten minutes turned what had seemed a well-earned victory into an unsatisfying draw.

When Brixham were caught offside, Avonmouth missed the chance to take an early lead when the penalty attempt went wide. With the wind and the slope Brixham took control of the game. Within ten minutes they had their noses in front. Following a 5 metre lineout the pack powered over for hooker Chey Bryce to claim the first try for Brixham. Ian Morgan converted from wide out. Ten minutes later scrum-half Corey Moore touched down exuberantly for the second. Collecting the ball at a ruck he could not find a player to pass to but found a gap and sprinted through to the posts. Morgan added the extras.
Ten more minutes and the third try - for centre Kyle Browne. Well taken lineout ball gave Brixham the platform to attack. Quick recycling of the ball and three phases later he had the gap and the line at his mercy. Morgan's conversion narrowly missed but Brixham were 19-0 ahead.
With half-time approaching Avonmouth came more into the game and troubled the scorer when they won the chase for a chip kick to score in the corner. A penalty goal narrowed the gap to eleven points at the break.
Within minutes of the restart it was down to four points when they scored a converted try under the posts. Brixham had had their wake-up call and responded immediately with two penalty goals in quick succession from Morgan. Avonmouth pressure midway through the half brought them a penalty but again the response was immediate with No 8 Martin Browne finding no one to block his way to the line. Morgan's conversion left Brixham 14 points clear.
Avonmouth still wanted something from the game and had Brixham on the defensive. For fifteen minutes they pressed forwards to no avail. For Avonmouth the rewards were, eventually sweet. Two converted tries in the dying minutes gave them a half share of the spoils. For Brixham it felt more like a defeat.

September 10th THORNBURY 54 BRIXHAM 44
The match video will make interesting viewing for the Brixham coaching staff. An error-strewn performance made scoring easier for Thornbury than it should have been and the kicking of their centre Tim Stephens was exemplary.
In the first five minutes the two sides traded penalty goals before the first of the games eleven tries. Running the ball out of defence Brixham were caught in possession, the ball was stolen by Thornbury and the touchdown followed. Brixham hit back immediately forcing a series of scrums on the Thornbury line and culminating in scrum-half Cory Moore going over for a try. Ian Morgan levelled the scores with the conversion and put Brixham ahead with a penalty.
The lead was short-lived. Brixham were again caught in possession and the Thornbury winger had an easy run in. A long-range penalty increased the hosts' lead before a mistimed Brixham pass gifted them a third try. In the last ten minutes of the first half Brixham again forced their way downfield for flanker Alun Glanvill to score a try. A penalty apiece before the break left Brixham trailing 30-23 at the interval.
Brixham brought the scores level immediately after the restart when No 8 Martin Browne went over.
Another mistake in defence brought another Thornbury try; an immediate riposte by Brixham and winger Tom Goodman brought the scores back level at 37 all.
The sin-binning of Brixham prop Val Chirita proved to be the real turning point of the game. During his ten minute absence Thornbury ran in two converted tries and kicked a penalty. Back at full strength Brixham had the last word with a try from Kyle Browne, converted by Jamie Shone.

3rd September BRIXHAM 37 CLEVEDON 14
Brixham's aspirations of an explosive start to the season were dented before the kick-off when stand-off Ben Lovell was injured during the warm-up. A hasty rearrangement took Steve Worth off the bench into Lovell's spot and full-back Jamie Shone took over kicking duty. Worth proved his with a try and the Man Of The Match Award; Shone shone with two penalty goals and three conversions.
In truth the match was a somewhat scrappy affair as both sides sought to put their pre-season training into practice. Brixham took the lead on five minutes with a penalty goal from Shone and after a spell of defence extended it ten minutes later when flanker Sam Thomas crashed over for the opening try. From the restart Clevedon were on the attack and just two minutes later trailed by a single point when they scored a converted try having stretched the Brixham defence.
With neither side able to gain dominance twenty minutes passed before the next score. Brixham converted a spell of pressure into valuable points when the pack drove over for a try for the other flanker Alun Glanvill. On the stroke of half-time Shone slotted his second penalty to give Brixham a 16-7 lead at the break.
Clevedon attacked from the start of the second period but were swiftly undone when winger Kyle Browne crossed in the corner for a Brixham try and Shone converted from wide out. Ten minutes later another spell of Clevedon pressure ended when Brixham turned over the ball and ran out of defence. Worth kicked ahead and recovered the ball to touch down under the posts for a straightforward conversion.
Neither side could brak through in the next twenty five minutes of play but eventually the Fishermen found a way through the Clevedon defence and winger Tom Goodman finished off with a converted try.
The visitors had by no means given up and were straight back on the attack and scored their second try. The conversion was accompanied by the final whistle - Brixham had the victory and bonus point; Clevedon had shown why they are a threat to every club in the League.

The Clevedon view:
While the players were getting ready for this match, the travelling supporters were enjoying a superb pre-match sea food buffet. The hospitality from Brixham was outstanding and with the match kicking off later than the scheduled 14:30 one, there was more time to indulge and enjoy another oyster or two!
However, the game was a different matter. The giant Brixham team showed no hospitality whatsoever and punished Clevedon mistakes with the ruthlessness of a pod of killer whales. If they don't lose at Chosen Hill again, then they might well be in contention for promotion at the end of the season.
It wasn't all gloom for Clevedon, who played well enough to be within a score at half time. The sheer physical effort of trying to keep Brixham out took its toll in the second half and the scoreline was at least closer than it was last season.
A very encouraging, if disappointing start for Clevedon

27th August BRIXHAM 57 BRIDGWATER 17
Match report by Tony Pomeroy of Bridgwater
Brixham, coached by former Bridgwater player, Dan Parkes, gave Bridgwater a headache before the start of the league season. Brixham’s lively backs who benefited from the work of new backs coach Ian Morgan, scored four tries, their back row scored one each with the eighth from a prop. Seven conversions and a penalty completed the Brixham tally. Bridgwater’s coach, Chris Heal, was philosophical after the game, realising that Brixham’s experienced players had outplayed his young bucks. However, he is positive about the forthcoming league matches.
Brixham were 24-0 up at half time with Bridgwater’s only chance, a 20m angled penalty pushed wide by Sam Osborne.
Nick Ball ended the half in the sin bin following a series of penalties to the home side and 14 points were conceded when down to 14 men. It was symptomatic of the refereeing of Garry Fairbairn that Ball was sent to the bin for a technical offence but a Brixham player was only penalised and spoken to for a spear tackle on Ali Blundell. (NB - the player sin-binned had been spoken to earlier about "technical offences" and the ref was actually very good!)
In the third quarter, now playing with the breeze and the slope, Bridgwater narrowed the gap with a dropped goal from skipper Osborne and a try from centre Matt House converted by Osborne against one converted try for the Fishermen.
Brixham dominated the final quarter scoring four tries, three of which were converted, with only one for Bridgwater, from replacement winger, Dan Lang, converted from wide out by Osborne.
Bridgwater ended the game with 14 men when centre Garron Basson, was harshly adjudged to be handling the ball in a ruck and dispatched from the field.
Bridgwater’s side for this game did not contain such luminaries as Joe Bussell, Matt Hastie, James Bryant and Dan Kemmish and without them, the side struggled in the line-out, losing almost half their own throw-ins. However, in the scrums, the work of new coach, Darren Crompton, ensured that the scrum was steady and all their own ball was secure. The backs showed glimpses of their potential but too many errors were made.
Brixham look to have an experienced side and will be hoping to go one better than their third position in each of the last few seasons and gain promotion to national 3 South West.

20th August BRIXHAM beat DEVONPORT SERVICES

13th August 2011 WESTON 35 BRIXHAM 30
The first warm-up game before the season starts in earnest. With no conversions or kicks at goal the game was played as three 30 minute sessions. Just counting the tries, Brixham won the second of these 3-1 but lost the other two 3-2. Despite having a number of players injured or unavailable this was a useful run-out for the squad against higher-league opponents.

"This regular pre season match will have pleased both sets of coaches, with both sides displaying some good open rugby." - Weston-s-Mare website