The last time these two teams met was in the Devon Junior Vase back in April when Topsham's experience won through in the Bickleigh Down fog. The conditions weren't the only thing that were different in today's league opener as Argaum dominated the game from the opening stages.

It would be fair to say that pre-season has at times been disjointed, but when Chiefs scheduled opponents failed to show last Saturday it provided an unexpected opportunity for a good work-out on the scrummage machine. It was Argaum's huge effort at scrum time that provided the platform for such a dominant display. Argaum's pack took control of the game early on and the impressive back row trio made inroads into the visitors half. Pressure resulted in a penalty for Paul Ansell followed shortly afterwards by a barnstorming try from number 8 Mason Edwards, which was also converted by Paul Ansell.

With such a great platform, scrum half Ellery Jones was able to bring the backline in to play, with Tom Richards and Paul Ansell combining well in particular. Jake Turfrey was enjoying a role as strike runner and got on the end of a fine move to add a second touchdown. Topsham, who were shorn of some regulars due to a wedding, regrouped and hit back with a penalty from Ricky Pellow but their relief was short-lived as Tom Richards was soon running in a try at the other end, converted by Paul Ansell. Pellow struck a second penalty for the visitors but the Chiefs continued to extend their lead when a wonderful passage of play resulted in a try for Mike Hunt on his return to the Argaum fold.

By this time the hosts had really got into their stride as holes were opening up in Topsham's defence and with forwards and backs combining well, Jake Turfrey added his second try. There was still time for an Paul Ansell penalty before the interval to make the half time score 35-6.

Topsham are seasoned campaigners in this division and they showed their pedigree early in the second half with a much improved performance. However, after an injury to one of their players leading to an extended break in play, they lost some momentum. Argaum counter-attacked for outside centre Dan James to score with Paul Ansell adding the conversion. Topsham dug deep and employing tactics reminiscent of the cup final, they worked their way down the touchline and scored from a close range tap penalty. This was expertly converted from the touchline by Ricky Pellow.

Any thoughts of a come-back by the vistors were snuffed out by a dominant Argaum in the last quarter. Some immense scrummaging by the Argaum pack led to two tries. Firstly, a controlled shunt from the 5m line resulted in a simple dot-down for Mike Hunt. Then an even more powerful drive saw Tops shunted off their own ball and with the ball spread wide, Jake Turfrey completed his hat-trick which Paul Ansell duly converted.

It completed a highly impressive team performance from Argaum with everyone making a contribution although the front five deserve a special mention for the platform they laid at scrum-time. Dave Sansom will be mightily pleased but also know that he and his coaching team have some areas to work on and improve for next week's trip to Totnes.