A month of turbidity in Devon has seen its top side crash unceremoniously out of the Heineken Cup whilst securing a playoff place in the premiership. At the other end of the county, with new owners make sweeping, and ‘perhaps’ unpopular changes Devon’s second most senior side secured a very credible 5th place and having won more games than everyone else in the division apart from the eventual winners.

Tomorrow’s talent was on show at Brixham; some boys are already known to the senior sides however, many not. It wasn’t obvious whether there was any senior representation at the ground, whether anyone was talent spotting or not? Perhaps another golden opportunity missed!

The second game on the fixture card, the Fisherman’s Shield involved 2 clubs who have come to know each other well this season. This meeting would be their third, the two others being earlier in the season. Always close and keenly contested ‘Barnstable’ had a lot to prove having lost on both previous occasions to their ‘Devonport Services’ rivals.

With Cullumpton taking the honours against Oakhampton in the first match and the pitch readied for the second, Services and ‘Barum’ took to the field. A large crowd of parents, friends and the Brixham faithful looked on with equitable anticipation, this match had all the right credentials for a ‘right good battle’. As the officials checked there communications the boys set themselves and eyed the opposition keenly.

Devonport’s Toby Fisher started the game, launching the ball high and deep into Barum’s 22. With a gusting and sometimes unpredictable wind blowing across the field, The boys from north Devon fielded the ball well and started the first of many attacks on each other.

Very equally matched, attack was countered by defence; counter attack was nullified by counter defence. The ball see sawed back and forth across the half way line as both sides sought to gain the ascendancy. The first try came against the run of play; looking as though they might score, having smashed their way to Devonport’s 22 with some devastating forward runs Barum spilled the ball. Centre, Harrison Slade found himself with ball in hand and enough space to accelerate. Dancing feet and sleight of hand saw him unchallenged until deep in Barum’s defensive zone. Having tracked Slade’s run, Robbie Weeks was on hand to take the perfectly weighted pass that put him into space and across the line. Fisher added the extras for a lead of 7 – 0.

Unphased by the score Barum came right back, guns blazing. Services repeatedly repelled the assaults as Barum edged closer and closer towards the try line. Inaccuracy and indecision at the crucial time was to be the deciding factor as time after time, Services were able to clear their lines. On one such occasion some good interlinking between forwards and backs saw Services with a lineout 5 metres from Barum’s try line. Straight as a dye Kieraan Cicocci arrowed the ball, Harry Lockley by this time at full extension, plucked the ball out of the air and delivered it to his waiting support. A text book driving maul splintered the defence and Connor Denton flopped across the line for an extremely well worked try. Unconverted, the scoreboard ticked over to 12 – 0. Soon after the restart the referee blew his whistle for half time and both sides withdrew from the contest for rehydration and a team talk.

With the winds in their favour now, Barum kicked deep into the awaiting pack; Services trundled the ball a few yards and then cleared their lines out to their own 10 metre line. Barum, still more than intent on redress probed for openings whilst Services did their level best to keep the doors shut. They began to creak 10 minutes into the half and finally Barum got onto the scoreboard after some good handling by their backline. From far out the conversion sailed wide and the scoreboard moved to 12 – 5. With their tails up and a degree of panic setting in with Devonport, Barum continued to press. Wave after wave finally told as they scored again. Another difficult conversion attempt and another 2 points gone begging saw the score at 12 – 10 with 10 minutes to go.

Both sides now played their very hearts out, tense and nervous energy saw attack and defence collide with devastation aplenty. Both sides had opportunity however, resolute tackling saw to it and scoreboard remained stationary. Now with 2 minutes on the clock, Barum put Services back on their own line, the pressure was intense; coaches and spectators alike fidgeted and paced about unable to watch. The succession of rucks on the tryline resulted in a Barum lineout 5 metres out. As both sides steadied themselves for the throw, would be catchers eyed the hooker and eyed each other. Timing and the accuracy of the throw would determine the outcome of the game. In slow motion the hooker loosed the ball, up went the Barum jumper, up went Harry Lockley. Inch by inch they ascended, heads level. Their arms came up as both reached for the ball, straining every muscle their very fingertips hooked at the ball. Lockley came victorious, his hand batted the ball back and out of play. The referee blew for full time and elated, the boys from Devonport came down to earth in the realisation that they had won the Fisherman’s Shield and beaten a very difficult Barnstable team.

Man of the match rightly went to Barnstable’s No 8, testament to the difficult task that Devonport were faced with at all times.

What will happen in 2016 – 2016? It would be nice to think that the boys will continue to play rugby together, they have truly formed a very special bond. Triumphant over adversity early in the season they have gone from strength to strength and have achieved great things in the end.

Well done, one and all!!

Jason Lockley