Devonport Services U16s crowned Fisherman’s Cup Shield winners
Devonport Services U16s brought both their youth rugby journeys and the 2025/26 season to a fitting and memorable close on Sunday, 19 April, defeating Bideford U16s to lift the Fisherman’s Cup Shield.
In front of a lively crowd at Brixham, the contest showcased a high standard of youth rugby, with even the neutral supporters rising to their feet in appreciation of the skill, commitment and intensity on display throughout the match.
From the opening whistle, Devonport’s mindset and professionalism were clear to see. They were immediately tested by a powerful Bideford pack boasting some imposing forwards, but the Services' defence stood firm. Time and again, the likes of Ben Aldridge, Maxwell Orton, Toby Roberts, Archie Ingle and Ollie Palmer fearlessly chopped down much larger opponents, tackling with the determination of seasoned campaigners.
Bideford’s early pressure eventually told, and they opened the scoring with the first try at the Devonport end. Services, however, remained composed. Ollie Flowers calmly slotted an accurate penalty to close the gap before the lead changed hands in spectacular fashion. Centre Logan Early burst through four would-be tacklers from 30 metres out, shrugging off defenders with ease as he powered over for a stunning try.
The remainder of the first half was a tit-for-tat affair, with another converted Bideford score answered by further penalties from Flowers. At the interval, Devonport held a narrow 15–12 advantage, setting up a tense second half.
That tension only increased after the restart, as the lead swung repeatedly between the two sides. With roughly 25 minutes remaining and Services trailing once more, half-time replacement flanker Joel Medland-Fisher made an immediate impact. He smashed through the Bideford defensive line to score in the corner, with Flowers once again adding the extras thanks to his laser-guided left boot.
As the afternoon wore on in the warm Devon sun, Bideford’s forwards began to tire, and Devonport were quick to sense an opportunity. A subtle increase in tempo saw Services stretch the defence, and Flowers himself spotted a gap to dive over the whitewash for another converted try. Moments later, he delivered a perfectly timed no-look pass to the unstoppable Logan Early, who sprinted three-quarters of the length of the pitch, swatting away defenders before touching down for his second try of the day.
Devonport’s work off the ball proved just as crucial. Replacement prop Sam Ferriman was outstanding in defence, playing a key role in repelling a Bideford maul just five metres from the line and forcing a vital turnover that kept Services in control.
With Devonport leading 35–22, a yellow card shown to flanker Ben Aldridge opened the door for Bideford to mount a late surge. Two minutes from time, they closed the gap to 35–29 with powerful carries from close range, setting up a nervous finish. From the restart, Bideford advanced into Devonport territory but conceded a penalty on the 22-metre line. Flowers made no mistake, slotting the kick to seal a 38–29 victory as the referee blew for full time, confirming Devonport Services U16s as Shield winners.
Every member of the matchday squad, from 1 to 21, played their part in a thrilling and hard-fought contest, embodying the core values of the game throughout.
There were several standout individual performances. Harry Bedford-Smith impressed in his new role in the second row, having spent the previous eight years at full-back. New signings Jake Whysall and Jacob Bratt, who joined from Tavistock at the start of the season, also caught the eye. Whysall’s pinpoint passing, sharp game management and constant menace around the breakdown were excellent, while Bratt’s flawless tackling and calm handling under the high ball made him a natural fit at full-back.
Special mention must also go to Will Bowden, who took an early knock and quite literally spilt blood for the cause. Showing real resilience and commitment, he later returned to the field to make an outstanding contribution on both sides of the ball.
A thrilling performance, a fitting finale, and a well-deserved trophy for a hugely talented Devonport Services U16s squad.

Phil Flowers.

The Team
1. Rowan Kirke
2. Toby Roberts
3. Jack Taylor
4. Harry Bedford-Smith
5. Jacob Waterton
6. Oliver Palmer
7. Ben Alldridge
8. Maxwell Orton
9. Jake Whysall
10. Oliver Flowers
11. Ewan Collyer
12. Logan Early
13. Archie Ingle
14. Will Bowden
15. Jacob Bratt

Impact Players:
Theo Pennington
Sam Ferriman
Joel Medland-Fisher
Tom Williams
Toby Nankivell
Reuben Palmer