Despite torrential rain causing most fixtures across the county to be cancelled, Teignmouth RFC worked tirelessly to ensure the match could go ahead. Their commitment allowed the Devon squad, including Teignmouth’s own Grace Scott, starting as co-captain, to take to the field on home ground.

Somerset struck first, scoring early and setting the tone for what would become a fiercely contested encounter.

Devon responded with determination. After several well-worked phases, Meghan Connor powered over the line to bring Devon level. Momentum continued to build as Clarice Fermor-Oldfield produced a charging run from out wide, brushing off multiple defenders to score under the posts. Sarah Pezzani added the conversion.

Somerset hit back before the break, leaving the match finely balanced.

Half-Time: Devon 12 – 10 Somerset

Devon emerged from the interval the stronger, more clinical side. Early in the second half, Matilda Thompson finished a well-constructed attack, with Pezzani once again adding the extras.

Somerset responded, but Devon continued to apply pressure. Tries followed from Phoebe Baggs, Emalaini Mucunabitu and a second score for Exeter Saracens’ Fermor-Oldfield, showcasing the squad’s depth and attacking variety.

The home side conceded a yellow card not far from the final whistle, after a series of team infringements and Somerset capitalised on the temporary advantage. However, Devon’s earlier dominance ensured the result remained secure.

Final Score: Devon 34 – 20 Somerset

In difficult conditions that prevented much flowing rugby, both sides produced huge, dominant tackles and showed impressive resilience. Devon’s ability to adapt, stay composed, and convert key opportunities proved decisive.

A huge thank you to Teignmouth RFC for their exceptional efforts to keep the pitch playable, and congratulations to both teams for delivering an exciting and hard-fought match.