FOOTBALL

BARNSTAPLE YOUTH Under-15s could have been forgiven for thinking they were seeing treble, writes Steve Birley.

They came up against a Braunton Wanderers team who had triplets playing in defence.

While Charlie Bennett excelled in goal, his brothers Oliver and William were, along with Ben Loftus, exceptional in a defensive three.

Despite their efforts, Barnstaple won the West Country Cleaning Services North Devon Youth League game 3-1.

The pick of the goals was a 25-yard strike from Max Holding. Sam Damsell and Chad Luxton also scored. Ben Aitken got the Wanderers goal.

Kilkhampton beat Braunton FC 4-0 with Mickey Steele (two), Sennen Swain and Jack Watson netting.

Torridgeside Under-16s were 14-0 winners over battling North Molton Stags with goals from Drew Sullivan (five), Tyler Evans-Loude (nine), Rory Paine (two), Daniel Baugh (two) and George Nancekivell. Captain Leo Pugsley and Damon Smith, a left back who volunteered to go in goal, shone for the Stags.

Fine performances from Callum Whiteford, Tony Wells and Darren Nicholas could not spare Chivenor a 6-0 defeat at North Molton.

Braunton won 3-0 at Bideford Blues with goals from Taylor Latham (two) and Dan Ball. Keeper Josh Wines and centre back Alan Shaw made good contributions for the Blues.

Braunton boss Mark Alexander said: "Having played (the Blues) year in, year out, they are a super bunch who play football in the right spirit."

Torridgeside Under-12s won a thrilling encounter with Holsworthy 2-1. Kye Wilson and man of the match Oliver Taylor scored for Torridgeside who trailed to a Daniel Smith goal at the break.

Jack Hill scored for Appledore in a 3-1 defeat to Bideford Blues.

Marcus Barron marked his first full outing of the season with two goals in Braunton Wanderers Under-10s' 3-1 win over Ilfracombe Town. Isaac Brown also scored.

Charlie Roberts netted for Torridgeside Under-9s but they were edged out 2-1 by South Molton.

South Molton Under-15s were unable to raise a side for their match at Bideford Blues.

Manager Kevin Avery would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the team. For more details call 01769 580014.

Barnstaple Youth's Bailey Walker scored for Exeter City Under-11s in a 6-5 win at Swindon Town.