McManus holds his nerve to seal win

A KYRAN McManus penalty enabled Barnstaple to maintain their unbeaten start to the season with a dramatic and lively 25-23 victory at Exmouth.

Kicker McManus had earlier opened the scoring before Exeter replied with a try of their own.

Will Topps added another touchdown to his impressive season’s tally before Dave Bargent regained a 17-10 lead for hosts Exmouth.

James Starkey pulled his side level once more at the bottom of a ruck of bodies, before George Meadows kicked the hosts ahead once again in a topsy-turvy flow.

Ben Hilton crossed to put Barnstaple ahead, only for Meadows to land three points in reply and give his side a 23-22 lead.

However, the kicking of McManus was the difference as Barnstaple made it six wins from six. Weston-super-Mare

kept pace with the leaders, but were also made to work hard for their victory after fending off the challenge from Ivybridge with a 34-25 away win.

A close first half ended 12-7 to the visitors, who then pulled away with two tries, before Dan Lilley was able to pull one back for the home side.

In response, Weston crossed again to take a 3115 lead, which would ultimately prove to be too big to peg back.

Maidenhead maintained pace with the leading pack after coming from behind to take a nervy 27-24 home win over

Newbury Blues.

First-half tries for the hosts by Ed Keohane and Dave Cole enabled their side to draw level 17-17 at the break.

Newbury took the lead in the second half through Alex Millar, before a Keohane penalty and Elio Mandozzi’s try allowed them to snatch victory.

After their defeat to the leaders last weekend, Exeter University

returned to winning ways with a 42-17 victory over second-from-bottom side Bracknell.

Meanwhile, Launceston

continue to turn their fortunes around after winning for the second week in a row, this time by 22-17 at home to Okehampton.

A scrum led to Brandon Rowley opening the scoring for the hosts before tries from Reuben Edwards and Harry Lightfoot gave their side a 19-7 lead at half-time.

Okehampton responded through a Tom White double, but they fell just short.

Finally, Drybrook beat basement side Brixham by 27-16.