"A hotly contested Devon Derby that lived up to its billing, and demonstrated the strength of Devon rugby at the moment. In Steve Perry, Bryn Jenkins, Winston James and Will Topps, Barnstaple have some experienced key performers who can certainly pull the strings. In Jordan Pethybridge , Matt Gohl and Linford Brock they have some of the potential stars of the future and they were all very good value today. Barnstaple are a very good side who, I am sure will finish in the top half of the table come the end of the season.

"Whilst our start was somewhat disappointing again (we went 7-0 down for second week running) we then dominated the rest of the half and I was particularly pleased with our scrum and maul dominance. We looked focused, motivated and energised and to have the bonus point in the bag by half time demonstrated how well we played to this point.

"The second half was never going to live up to the entertainment value of the first half, and in fairness to Barnstaple they searched for league points by playing with adventure and width provided by the leadership and vision of the somewhat 'vocal', but impressive Steve Perry at fly half. What was most pleasing for me, was the defensive shape, discipline and work ethic that we demonstrated to keep them at bay for long periods in the last 20 minutes, after we failed to put the game to bed in the early second half exchanges.

"To gain a bonus point victory in a Devon derby game just before Christmas, is an amazing way to sign off and enjoy the festivities, and credit must go to Captain and Man of the Match Tom Emery who was instrumental in today's victory and led by example"

Ends