Lowrie’s storming return in Barum revival

CHRIS LOWRIE made a try-scoring return to Barnstaple as they ended a run of three defeats.

The former Devon captain had not featured since Barum’s promotion-winning campaign in 2015-16 – when they beat Tonbridge Juddians in the National Three play-off.

But he slipped seamlessly back into the No 8 shirt and scored a try which set the hosts on their way.

Lowrie produced the tidiest moment of a scrappy first half when he gathered quick ball off the top of a line-out and charged over from ten metres for his try.

Tonbridge had looked slightly more threatening up to then, but the only points they managed were from a 33rd-minute penalty by Liam Prescott, which Jordan Petherbridge cancelled out five minutes later.

There was more excellent defence from Barnstaple early in the second half, while Matt Hague was in the sin bin.

Shortly before he returned, Tonbridge had a yellow for flanker Ed Varney and Barum took advantage by scoring twice from penalties kicked to the corner.

Jarrard Hayler touched down in the first line-out drive, then Petherbridge danced through to score after the second.

Gwyn Parks and Petherbridge went close again in the closing stages but Barnstaple were left with a slight feeling of frustration that they had blown the chance of a bonus point.