BackSun 18 Oct 2026 · Group 1
U16sBarnstaple U16
7
52
U16's V Barnstaple
Tom Hattan
Top of the table clash
On a sunny Sunday Honiton entertained Barnstaple for a Top of the Table clash. The visitors having previously and convincingly defeated their opponents by some margins, were looking strong and well prepared arriving for an early warm up. With the Dimonds also on the up, the home side were looking to continue their good form and retain the current league position. The visitors winning the toss and electing to use the slope in the first half started positively, with some strong running rugby, and wasn't long before they were dotting down over the line.
With most of the play taking place in the home sides half, it was clear that Honiton would literally have an uphill struggle in the first half, however a glimmer of hope from the Dimonds front row following a penalty, saw the first points on the board for the home side, through some great support and determination. With the H/T score at 7-33 Honiton needed to dig deep after the break. Taking to the field for the 2nd half there was an expectation that the slope would favour the home side and close the deficit, however Barnstaple continued where they left off, maintaining dominance with some strong back line running, exposing Honiton's weaknesses and resulting in multiple tries. The latter part of the fixture, even with the home sides resilience saw them struggling to make any significant impacts or passages of play, and even with Barnstaple's lack of discipline and 2 yellow cards later, the scoreboard moved in the visitors favour. At the whistle 7-52 was a fair reflection of the match, both in territory, possession and desire.
Great to see Harry K opening his seasons contribution with a well executed try and reliable boot of Eric slotting the conversion.
A tough day at the office for Honiton, but hopefully they can work on the weaknesses and come back stronger and maintain their position in the league. With 4 wins out of 5 the Dimonds have seen their best start to the season and with a break next week there's time for injuries and niggles to settle before their next league game in November.
MOTM awarded to Tyler who stills punches above his weight in the forwards, with big hit going to Bailey on his return from injury.
With most of the play taking place in the home sides half, it was clear that Honiton would literally have an uphill struggle in the first half, however a glimmer of hope from the Dimonds front row following a penalty, saw the first points on the board for the home side, through some great support and determination. With the H/T score at 7-33 Honiton needed to dig deep after the break. Taking to the field for the 2nd half there was an expectation that the slope would favour the home side and close the deficit, however Barnstaple continued where they left off, maintaining dominance with some strong back line running, exposing Honiton's weaknesses and resulting in multiple tries. The latter part of the fixture, even with the home sides resilience saw them struggling to make any significant impacts or passages of play, and even with Barnstaple's lack of discipline and 2 yellow cards later, the scoreboard moved in the visitors favour. At the whistle 7-52 was a fair reflection of the match, both in territory, possession and desire.
Great to see Harry K opening his seasons contribution with a well executed try and reliable boot of Eric slotting the conversion.
A tough day at the office for Honiton, but hopefully they can work on the weaknesses and come back stronger and maintain their position in the league. With 4 wins out of 5 the Dimonds have seen their best start to the season and with a break next week there's time for injuries and niggles to settle before their next league game in November.
MOTM awarded to Tyler who stills punches above his weight in the forwards, with big hit going to Bailey on his return from injury.
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