Fugee’s Froback: A Look Back with David Fuge
Devon Cup – 3rd Round
Barnstaple v Plymouth Albion
Saturday 21 December 1985 – Pottington Road
Since the introduction of the Devon Cup in 1969, Plymouth Albion had lifted the trophy in 1974, 1977, 1983, and 1984, and arrived at Pottington Road looking to continue that strong tradition.
Albion had already faced Barnstaple earlier in the season, recording a convincing 34–0 victory at Beacon Park on 24 September.
Team Changes
Albion made six changes from the side that had defeated Exeter 10–3 at the County Ground the previous Saturday.
In the backs:
- Nick Leonard came into the centres in place of Simon Parford
- Ray Westlake replaced Paddy Marsh on the wing
In the forwards:
- Mark Hewitt replaced Roger Bailey on the flank
- Barry Howarth came in for unavailable vice-captain Kevin Norris
- Sean Stevens replaced Ian Russell, who had been sent off against Exeter
- Gary Lovell came in for Ian Harrison
Match Report
Barnstaple, who had not defeated Albion for over five seasons, built their hopes of an upset around their threequarters. It quickly became clear that the contest would be a battle between Albion’s forwards and the home side’s backs.
Albion fielded a side containing 14 county players, and their forward strength ultimately proved decisive.
In the end, Albion scored five tries, while Barnstaple managed one in response. All but one of Albion’s tries came from the forwards:
- Chris Hocking (prop) – 2 tries
- Mark Hewitt (flanker) – 1 try
- Sean Stevens (number eight) – 1 try
- Nick Leonard (centre) – 1 try
Simon Durkin added a conversion.
Final Score: Barnstaple 12 – Plymouth Albion 22
Albion XV
- Kevin Turton (Captain)
- Steve Walklin
- Dave Palmer
- Nick Leonard
- Ray Westlake
- Simon Durkin
- Bruce Fairgrieve
- Barry Howarth
- Sean Stevens
- Mark Hewitt
- Gary Lovell
- Terry Chapman
- Brian Steer
- Bruce Priday
- Chris Hocking
Replacements: Simon Parford, Andy Moulding
Road to the Trophy
Albion continued their run in the competition with:
- 4th Round: Defeated Tiverton away 17–3 on 23 March
- Semi-Final: Defeated Devon & Cornwall Police away 26–4 on 15 April
- Final: Defeated Exeter 16–6 at the County Ground on Tuesday 22 April
Albion retained the Devon Cup for the third consecutive season.
