Despite missing eight players through injury and unavailability, Buckfastleigh Ramblers put in a sterling effort against Division One opponents and old foes Totnes.

George Lowrey and Josh Gale, making their first appearance due to work commitments throughout pre-season, made a big difference to the pack, while Richard Life and Ross Birbeck made an impact against their old club and had impressive games.

Rob Davis at scrum-half made the most of the dominance the pack showed and provided good clean ball for Greg Robinson to share with the outside backs.

The Ramblers’ backs made the most of the possession in the first half, playing some fantastic rugby with Robinson – in his 400th game – giving Stuart Foss, Rob Pedrick and Jack Chew space to open up the Totnes defence, and Callum Voisey and Ryan Currie making the most of the space created.

Matt Pike scored a try just seven minutes in, putting Ramblers ahead.

Totnes got a converted try to edge the lead, but just before the break Ryan Currie made a tremendous run before touching down. He converted his own try to put Ramblers 12-7 ahead at half-time.

Captain Matthew Pike led from the front, with Jack Andrews, Tim Wigley and Harry Symes in a pack that dominated the set pieces for 60 minutes, but a lack of strength in depth on the bench meant Ramblers tired in the last quarter which allowed Totnes to make the most of the substitutions they made, scoring two more tries, one converted, to run out 19-12 winners.

Ramblers’ man of the match went to Matt Pike.

Tomorrow, Buckfastleigh Ramblers are away to Exeter Saracens.

See today’s (September 22) edition of the Mid-Devon Advertiser for John Balment’s feature on Buckfastleigh Ramblers, who celebrated 25 years since reforming.