Jim Rich started his three hundredth game this weekend with Ashes looking for a result befitting of the occasion. Ashes ran their opponents Bideford agonisingly close once more, but unlike the Torrington game, two weeks ago, Bideford came out on top winning 13-9.

Bideford started the brighter side with with a three penalty points courtesy of Chris Snell, in front of the Ashes posts with eight minutes in. Ashes countered 5 minutes later with a penalty of their own, well taken by Mawgan Toms, wide out on the touchline. The score now leveled at 3-3.

Bideford had another chance to go clear with a penalty awarded just left of the Ashes posts, for holding onto the ball, but the kick was pushed marginally wide. A lucky escape for Ashes.

Going up the hill and into a gentle breeze, Bideford put faith in their backs running the ball when ever possible. The Ashes defence held firm until Bideford fullback, Mark Schofield, was given too much space by the Ashes defence to run from his own half and score a superb solo try. Unconverted the scoreline reached 8-3.

Ashes were awarded a penalty for Bideford hands in the ruck five minutes before half time, with Mawgan Toms duly slotting the 3 points, kicked once more form a reasonable range.

The second half saw a much more even affair with both sides exchanging kicks and running the ball back. This was pretty much how the games stayed until the sixtieth minute when Ashes were awarded a penalty opting to take the points moving the score to 9-8.

Bideford then applied some pressure, and in combination with Ashes failing many times to make turn over ball count and clear their lines, allowed for a Bideford counter attack in open play. This move saw Mark Schofield shine once more in a virtually solo effort to punish Ashes mistakes. With the conversion pushed wide the score moved to 13-9.

With 15 minutes left, the try sparked an Ashes comeback with the majority of the rugby being played in the Bideford half. Ashes came perilously close to scoring off a number of rolling mauls and some good forward work, but the Bideford defence held strong. Final score Bideford 13, Saltash 9.