For the second successive week Plymouth Argaum claimed a single point victory coming after coming from behind. This was a real end-to-end encounter against a Brixham II side who had yet to lose in the league.

Preparation for the match started early on Saturday morning as a set of posts were moved from the 2nd team pitch to the 1st team pitch, under the guidance of groundsman Toby Liberson, to replace the set that were blown down by Storm Goretti last week. As importantly, coach Dean Avery announced a refresh to the coaching team, with Tom Worboys coming in as forwards coach to join Reece Boase and James Lovering. This proved important as Avery was involved full time on the pitch against his old club.

A large crowd was in attendance with plenty of support from Brixham who are closing in on the Counties 3 SW title. It was great to see the Tuck Shop open for the first time this season on a Saturday afternoon, doing a brisk trade. Argaum were keen to produce a better showing than they did at Astley Park earlier this season and that certainly proved to be the case. A tight first half saw Chiefs leading by 8 points to 7 with the slope advantage in the second period. Argaum kicked well to gain territory and use their driving maul whilst Brixham always looked dangerous with their young backs finding space out wide.

A converted try a piece were swapped in this vein before a penalty put the visitors 17-15 ahead. The home side scrum, which had been under pressure a little in the first half was shored up by the appearance of Will 'Jabs' Lloyd at tight head. Argaum hit back after another forward drive to release Jake Turfrey for a try in the corner which made it 20-17 but Brixham appeared to have sealed the victory when they release their backs from a superb counter attack to make it 24-20. The Chiefs came close with another driving lineout but Tom Holliday was deemed to be held up over the line, however they were not to be denied and drove powerfully to the bottom corner for the winning try.

Concentration was still required to see out the game against a very lively Brixham side but Argaum didn't panic and after some pick and goes to use up time, Cheyenne Edwards put the ball out to seal a significant victory.

Coach Dean Avery was keen to praise the whole club effort this week:
'A massive thank you to everyone digging in this week to get the game on, cracking week for the club. @Toby Liberson sorting posts, @~Jennie, @~Karis and team for sorting food. @~Graham Personal & team on bar. Tuckshop was open creating great atmosphere with a big crowd and all those who chipped in one way or another. Good luck to the women tomorrow. Loads of energy at the club, we need to keep momentum!'

A match report including Coach Dean Avery's reaction can be found at
https://plymouthsportsgazette.com/2026/01/18/rugby-reports-pocknell-enjoys-dream-debut-as-devonport-services-return-to-the-top-of-the-table/

Pictures courtesy of Toby and Joe Liberson
Videos - Rich Belli