IT was a disappointing weekend for both Devon and Cornwall’s under-20 rugby teams.
Devon suffered a heavy 43-7 defeat in their opening County Shield Pool Four match against Dorset & Wiltshire at Bournemouth.
Ivybridge back Damon Akerman scored the Green and Whites’ only try at Chapel Gate, with his club team-mate Mitch Pinkus converting his effort.
Despite the loss Devon, who included nine Ivybridge players in their squad, could still progress out of their group, if they beat Somerset at home in their next game on March 19 at Okehampton.
Meanwhile, Cornwall’s under-20s were beaten 18-9 by Gloucestershire at Redruth in their second County Championship Pool Four match.
The Duchy had opened their campaign earlier this month with a 64-3 victory over Berkshire, but they found Gloucestershire a different proposition.
The visitors managed two tries, whereas Cornwall were unable to cross the whitewash, with their points coming from the boot of St Austell back Cavan Boyer kicking three penalties.
Cornwall sit second in their group, level on points with third-placed Gloucestershire. They are likely to need to beat unbeaten leaders Hampshire away on March 19 to have any hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.