CULLOMPTON again proved their strength in South West 1 West with a convincing win at home to Ivybridge.

Will Gingell and Rob Lennox both ran in two tries as Cully dominated against the side that came up with them from Western Counties West last season.

The gulf between the two teams highlighted how well the Mid Devon outfit have adapted to the highest level they have ever played at.

With seven games to go, Charlie Mahon's men are level on points with fifth-placed Clevedon and have a game in hand.

Adam Pearce got things going at Stafford Park on Saturday, knocking over an early penalty before Lennox dotted down his first try of the afternoon.

The same player scored his second shortly after as the home side established full control, and retained their lead despite a spell of heavy pressure from Ivybridge in the second half.

Nathan Webster eventually went over for the visitors but Gingell quickly replied with a try of his own. The flanker crossed again — benefiting from good work by Lee Powell — as Cullompton saw the game out in style.

Coach Mahon said: "Ivybridge are a good side so it was good to see us take control.

"They were competitive and defensively they were good but our desire and attitude was better than theirs. We played some attractive rugby and deserved the win."

Next up for Cully is the formidable Hartpury College — unbeaten at the top of the league.

"We won't fear them," insisted Mahon. "I'll tell the lads to go out and enjoy it."

South Molton were the only other Mid Devon club to play, although their clash with Plymouth Barbarians in the Devon One Promotion Division was abandoned with just six minutes to play after tempers flared. Both sides became involved in a melee after an alleged stamp on Baabaas flanker James Harper.

Molts were leading 5-3 at the time of the abandonment, a score which is likely to stand. Phil Holmes was the Molts' try scorer. Elsewhere, Tiverton and Crediton both saw their games postponed.