Four-star James sparkles for Uni

SW Premier

TOP of the pile Exeter University continues to lead the way as they romped to a comfortable 45-5 bonus-point victory against Exmouth on their travels.

Winger James Botterill was the star player as he ran in four tries with centre Max Courtis, fullback Benjy Joseland and opposite winger Kofi Barton-Byfield all running in single scores. Fly-half Josh Barton added five conversions to complete the student’s tally.

Hornets, who remained in second place, were tested more than they expected as they held out to record a 33-22 win against Drybrook.

Third-place Old Redcliffians were also winners as they overcame fourth placed Weston Super Mare 39-19 in a highly entertaining encounter at Scotland Lane.

The hosts scored six tries through six different scorers with Dan Fry, Kiyan Wiltshire, James Clements, Donald Farmer, Josh du Plessis and Andy Butler all crossing the whitewash. Launceston came out on top of the lowest-scoring game of the weekend. as they beat Bournemouth 8-6 in a tightly contested clash at Poison Bridge.

Ivybridge continued their march up the league as they remain four unbeaten following their 40-17 bonus-point victory against Camborne at Cross-in-Hand.

Bottom of the pile Okehampton winless run since early January goes on with Brixham coming out narrow 15-7 winners on their travels.

Saul Holliday had given the hosts an early lead but ill-discipline ultimately cost the strugglers as they suffered defeat.

And finally, Old Centrallians ended a run of two straight defeats with a dominant 47-5 win against fellow strugglers Royal Wootton Bassett at home. The hosts scored seven tries with Ross Hannaford, Sol Farrer and Sam Pooley all scoring braces while Alex Cox ran in a single score.

The defeat at Saintbridge Sports Centre means the visitor’s twomatch winning run comes to an abrupt end.