Six-try Redingensians Rams battle to victory at Barnstaple

A Gwyn Parks penalty gave the hosts an early advantage, and after missing another shot at goal, he added the extras to a 19th-minute Luke Berry try to put Barnstaple 10-0 up.

Rams hit back, though, as a series of driving line-outs set the platform for Steve Bryant to cross in the corner, Adrian Jarvis landing a difficult conversion to cut the gap to three points.

Yet the Devonians grabbed a brilliant second try just three minutes later, skipper Winston James freeing the outstanding Jordan Petherbridge to cross before Parks knocked over the kick.

Redingensians gave themselves a boost before the break, though, their irrepressible pack earning yet another penalty try when Barnstaple repeatedly infringed when defending a five-metre scrum.

And the away side hit the ground running at the start of the second half, No. 8 Connor Stapley powering over before a beautiful side-step from inside centre Jordan Souter gave his side the bonus point and a 24-17 advantage in the 52nd minute.

Barum levelled shortly after as their long-term stalwart Will Topps darted over under the posts, Parks adding the extras to tie the score at 24-24.

However, Redingensians then turned the screw, captain Tom Vooght going over before substitute Olly Foxley collected a clever Jarvis grubber kick to dot down.

Barnstaple had the final say, a series of pick-and-goes ending with Petherbridge sniping through for the best score of the day deep into injury time.

It was, though, too little too late, leaving Rams' head coach Seb Reynolds delighted.

He said: "Barnstaple are a strong side with some really good backs that can hurt you from anywhere on the field, as they proved.

"When you come down here it is like playing against 16 men because their crowd get behind their boys, which makes a great atmosphere."

Redingensians have a week off before hosting relegation-threatened Wimbledon on Saturday, March 3.