In a thrilling encounter on March 30, 2024, the Bideford Chiefs secured a dramatic one-point victory against Ivybridge, winning 25-24 in a fiercely contested Devon derby. The match showcased the resilience of both teams, but it was Bideford’s determination that ultimately led them to triumph.
Bideford made an explosive start, with Sam Picillo crossing the line just three minutes into the match, giving the visitors an early 5-0 lead. Ivybridge quickly responded, demonstrating their strength with a well-executed try and conversion that shifted the score to 7-5 in their favor.
Midway through the first half, Bideford regained the initiative. Sustained pressure from the Chiefs resulted in Richard Weston powering over from a driving maul, restoring their lead. Just before halftime, Picillo struck again, adding his second try and sending Bideford into the break with a well-deserved 15-7 advantage.
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Ivybridge dominated early on, scoring two quick tries within the first ten minutes to take a 19-15 lead. Bideford refused to back down, raising the intensity of their play. Dave Evans forced his way over the line, followed by Picillo completing his hat-trick, which put the Chiefs back ahead at 25-24.
As the match neared its conclusion, Ivybridge intensified their efforts, crossing the line for what could have been a game-winning try. The drama heightened as they earned a conversion attempt with the last kick of the match. In a tense moment, the kick drifted wide, allowing Bideford to escape with a narrow victory and earn a valuable five points.
Reflecting on the match, Bideford’s manager, Bradley Goaman, acknowledged the physical nature of the contest, stating, “Both teams wanted to play. Ivybridge got a foothold early in the second half and we gave away a couple of soft tries, but we stayed in the fight and never gave up. I thought we’d blown it when they scored at the end, but the missed kick gave us the result.”
This victory keeps the Bideford Chiefs in second place in the league standings, and they are now preparing for another challenging match as they travel to Topsham this weekend. The excitement surrounding the team continues to build, and fans are eager to see how they will perform in the upcoming encounter.
