Long tradition of sporting excellence

Read Guy's column every week in the Western Morning News

- Guy Henderson on Friday

BRIXHAM is the sports port that punches well above its weight.

That won't come as any consolation to the rugby and football teams that fell just short over a weekend of high drama, but this has been quite a year for Brixham.

Last Saturday at Astley Park, the rugby club came within minutes of earning a place at Twickenham in the final of a national cup competition. Last Sunday, on neutral ground at Tiverton, the town's footballers could not quite complete what would have been an extraordinary promotion and cup double.

Still, both clubs, their officials and supporters can be immensely proud of a season well played.

Around 1,500 spectators heeded the calls to 'pack the park' last Saturday as the Fishermen faced Oundle in the semi-final of the Papa John's National Cup, named after its pizza-producing sponsor.

The home side went 17 points behind but were level by half-time. Then, with just three minutes left on the clock, Brixham led 27-24, only to be denied by a late Oundle try.