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Heavitree United host league leaders Tiverton Town at home on Saturday in a crucial title decider. Second-placed Heavies could overhaul Tivvy at the top of Premier Division table with a victory, but defeat would leave them trailing their championship rivals by five points having played two games more. United warmed up for the must-win game with a 2-0 win over Newtown on Saturday. Freddie Kingdom and an own goal gave them victory. Tiverton also won, 2-1 away at Exeter University. Richard Groom and Ben Ashford were on target for the Yellows, while Darren Ofoe netted for the Students. Feniton's slim title hopes were badly hit by a 3-0 defeat at Hatherleigh Town. They are now 13 points off the pace, with only two games in hand. Elmore also enjoyed a 3-0 win at home to Beer Albion, with Bradley Newberry scoring two goals after Jordan Hewitt opened their account. The two sides meet again this Saturday. Thorverton ran out 9-0 winners at Budleigh Salterton. The Robins had resisted well until Darren Everest was shown a red card for handling on the goal line. Lee Radford (4), Aaron Streat (2), Emlyn Harris, Lee Riggs and James Vanstone were on target for the Thors. Topsham Town, who played most of the second half with 10 men, drew 2-2 at Willand Rovers. Rian Antat and Jordan Bastin scored for Topsham. Jason Kennard and Josh Wren scored for Rovers. Exwick Villa stepped up their challenge for the Division One title with a 3-2 victory against Clyst Valley. Two-goal Ben Bristowe and Adam Jason-Ryan scored for Villa, who now turn their attention to Saturday's Devon Senior Cup. Second-placed Newtown St Cyres closed to within a point of top spot, winning 3-1 against Heavitree after going behind. Nathan Guppy equalised before George Chamberlain struck twice. Two own goals from Daz Carr set-pieces spurred Exmouth Amateurs on for an 8-2 rout of Alphington. Matt Cousins (3), Marco Volpini (2) and Danny Hall were also on target. Bickleigh eased their relegation fears with a timely 3-0 win against Lympstone. Scott McMillian, Sam Ruskin and George White were the scorers. Leaders Colyton had to settle for a 3-3 draw in their Division Two game at Hemyock. The University beat Sidmouth 1-0, Robin Bjalon scoring, while Newtown ransacked Halwill 7-0. Kyle Hall (3), Adam Vowles (2), Aaron James and Rob Lethbridge finding the goal. Martin Loader blazed a hat-trick for Culm in their 4-0 win at Topsham. Lewie Farrant also scored but the star was Ian Duncan. Tipton St John grabbed a vital point with a goalless draw against Cullompton. A last-minute equaliser from Chagford's Davon Friend denied Division Three leaders Exmouth Town as they drew 2-2. Tom Stanbury was the other Chagford scorer. Henry's Cronies won 6-1 at Tedburn, with Mike Benyon hitting a hat-trick. Liam Carey, Matt Webb and Mark Broom also netted. Cheriton Fitzpaine beat Pinhoe 5-0, thanks to a brace from star striker Chris Acton. Dave Rich, Dean Pidgeon and Matt Holland added the other goals. Clyst Valley beat the University 2-1, with Tiago Dias netting a consolation. Lapford opened a three-point cushion in Division Four after their 4-0 victory at North Tawton. Mark Tucker (3) and Ben Tucker were the scorers. Countess Wear teenagers San Ballett and Corey Jones had the Dynamoes 2-0 up at Morchard Bishop, but a Ryan Piper brace rescued a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Langdon hit the Lords XI for six without reply. Toby Hogan scored twice for Bampton as they beat Newtown 5-0. Kit Adams, Dan Black and Ryan Standsford also netted. Otterton replaced Fluxton as Division Five leaders after a 2-1 win over their rivals. Si Tuley and Kev Pitt scored for the Rollers. Sampford Peverell beat Uplowman Athletic 3-1 after switching to their neighbours' ground at short notice. Tom Gozna scored the only Uplowman goal. Priory came from behind to beat their neighbours Stoke Hill 2-1, with Chris Phillips and Kev Howe scoring.Division Six leaders Ottery St Mary remained 13 points clear after a 4-2 win at the Railway Club. Jordan Rogers (2), Connor Swingler and Adam Harris were the Otters scorers. Kentisbeare recorded a 5-2 win at home to Silverton. Alex Greening and Kris Roper netted twice, Chris Beddow once. Newton St Cyres' title challenge was dented by a 1-1 draw at Seaton. Newton's goal came from a Jamie Farrell penalty. There was a second successive defeat for Division Seven leaders South Zeal despite being 2-0 up at the break. Hosts Whipton & Pinhoe then recovered to win 3-2 and go level with Zeal on points. Dexter Booth (2) and Jassim Al-Makrani scored for the Whips. Alphington were 5-1 winners against Hemyock, with Nick Ainscough scoring twice. Owen Sullivan, Liam Wardle and George Collier also scored. Pointless Amory Green Rovers lost 6-3 to Lympstone. Dan Stone, Nathan Richards and Ashley Sparks scored for Rovers. Tivvy Park Rangers also won 6-3 at Cheriton Fitzpaine, with Carl Warren and Shane Heale netting braces and Darryn Heale also scoring to add to an own goal. Culm United regained top spot in Division Eight after a 4-0 win at Ottery St Mary. Tylor Grigg and Paul Kingdom both scored twice, with Zack Skinner pulling the strings. Josh Cooper bagged all three goals for Open Space International in a 3-1 over Feniton.

D&E League: Heavitree United meet Tiverton Town in key title clash

Unbeaten Sidmouth stay top of Division 2a in the Exeter & District Mixed League thanks to a victory over Otter Vale A. The team of Julie Frost and James Newcombe, Ruth Scrivens and Will Fryer and Lisa Maskell and John Carter won 8-1. Heather Rake and Brian Deem scored Otter Vale's point. In Division 2b, St Leonard's C went top after an 8-1 win over Otter Vale B thanks to unbeaten displays from Jill McCord and Andy Rowe and Rachel Marson and Leo Robbins. Susan Ross and Ray Puttick picked up a consolation point for the Vale. Chulmleigh beat Ringswell C 9-0. Previously unbeaten Honiton B and St Leonard's D clashed in Division 3a. Allister Brimble and Anne Trevena beat Honiton's Ben Bennett and Zaria Taylor 15-21, 21-8, 21-16 in the crucial ninth rubber to see their side home 5-4. Honiton B then beat Cranford B 6-3, with scores from Sue Caller and Ben Bennett (2), Zaria Taylor and James Burgess (2) and Claire Penberthy and Mark Stanley (2).

Mid Devon's Beryl Willis, Gill Callaghan and Maureen Robertson are through to the last 16 of the national over-50 two wood triples. They beat Susan Bartrop, Sarah Quayle and Hillary Avent 18-9 at Plymouth. It was 5-4 after six ends, but the Tiverton trio won eight of the next nine ends to go into an 18-7 lead. Plymouth replied with two singles but conceded to Mid Devon after 16 ends. Exonia's Simon Broom was on the wrong end of a qualifier for the nationals when he was beaten Louis Ridout 21-20 after 28-ends. Broom led 10-3, but by the 23rd end it was all level. Two singles from Broom put him in sight of victory, but a magnificent treble from Ridout won him the game. In the men's triples Exonia's Simon Broom, Nathan Farrant and Ian Bond came from 6-1 down to beat John Read, John Cherrington and Derrick Singleton 18-11. They will play Newquay in the last 32. In the men's over-60 singles Kevin Phillips (Exonia) was beaten by Barry Geldard (South Hams) 21-20.

Students from Drury's Martial Arts School, Dawlish Warren, are being put through their paces ahead black belt grading in October. The pupils were testing for their black stripes, the level before black belt. The students are Alex Henderson, Grace Stephens, Leo Vooght, Kelvin Hickerman, Hetty Futrell, Ben Foster, Marie Cole, Hermione Williams, Amy Chandler, Tyler Sluman, Charlie Chandler, Kendra Kearns, Lauren Henderson, Nicky Chandler, Sabrina Andrews, Dan Williams, Caitlyn Underhill-Kelly and Grace McCarthy.

SIDMOUTH Sunday saw new club captain John Barnard and ladies captain Margaret Deuce tee off at the captains' drive-in. Barnard has nominated East Devon Hospiscare as his charity for 2015. The drive-in was preceded by a Texas scramble, which saw Sheila Faulkner, Yvonne Anning, Jane Renken and Ann Willoughby win the ladies competition. The men's version was won by Chris Lewis, Paul Lewis, Kym White and Craig Melluish with a fine score of 49. In second place, with a score of 50.4, were David Pepperell, Neil Holland, Mark Thomas and David Burgess. Roger Freer, Bob Skelly, Martyn White and Chris Timms came third with 52.5. Sunday saw Barnard lead his team of Stuart Ruffle and Paul Shoobridge to victory in a men's three-ball competition with the best nett score on each hole to count. The winning round totalled 57 – nine better than par. In second place was the team of vice-captain Ray Gunston, Malcolm Smith and Martin Crockett with 58, with Craig Melluish, Gary Linnen and Kevin Howe in third (59).DOWNES CREDITON New captain John Cann won last Monday's seniors' Stableford with 42 points. The par fives on the back nine were the key to his success with two gross birdies adding eight points and helping him to secure a one-point victory over Andrew Gilg (41). John Essery and Rick Eidam both scored 40 and finished third and fourth respectively. The best score in the ladies' mulligan Stableford on Thursday came from Sue Bonner with 37 points. This also gave Bonner victory in the ladies' bronze division, ahead of Sue Jackson (36), in second, and Doreen Warren in third (35). Liz Mapson claimed victory in the silver division with 34. Saturday saw the club play a Texas scramble. Winning with nett 57 were the in-form team of Simon Baker, Adrian Cram and Steve Blackmore. They won on a countback from Robin Tooze, Ken Galvin and Ron Berry in second. The leading ladies' team was made up of Fran Shrubsole, Betty Willey and June Mitchell.PADBROOK PARK The reigning summer and winter champions were both beaten in the quarter-finals of the winter foursomes. Gary Lewis and Dave Wood reached the semi-finals with an excellent victory over summer champions Dean Silversides and Rod Hutchings. They will now face Dave Payne who saw off defending winter champions John Palmer and Mark Perrott. The other semi sees Neil Woodman and Ian White face Gary Stevenson and Richard Asson. Results, winter foursomes, second round: N Woodman & I White bt I Carvell & P Waters, T Martin & A Rooker lost to G Stevenson & R Asson, R Hutchings & D Silversides lost to G Lewis & D Wood, D Payne & S Heath bt J Palmer & M Perrott. Semi-final draw: N Woodman & I White v G Stevenson & R Asson, G Lewis & D Wood v D Payne & S Heath Allan Gills' excellent run in the winter singles continued with victory over order of merit champion Gary Stevenson. Results, winter singles third round: S Palmer lost to K Radbourne, H Chau lost to G Purcigo, R Price lost to K Curtis, G Stevenson lost to A Gill. Semi-final draw: K Radbourne v G Purcigo, K Curtis v A Gill. Padbrook have been drawn against Tiverton in round one of the Daily Mail Foursomes.

Bradninch have made three more signings as new skipper Daniel Hardy carries on building for a promotion push. Ex-First Class professional Chris Metters, Charlie Walker and Laurence May have all come on board to add to the earlier signings of Luandre van Wyk and Josh Cann. Metters was with Warwickshire for three seasons before his career was cut short by injury. He played as a left-arm spinner for South Devon before moving to Edgbaston – and big things were expected of him after he took 30 wickets in 10 games during his debut season in 2011. Due to a shoulder injury, Metters never got to fulfil that potential and retired from pro cricket in 2013 after an operation failed to solve the problem. "Chris still can't bowl because of his shoulder injury and is coming to us as a top-order batter," said Hardy. "He has a lot of experience in Minor Counties, second XI and First Class cricket and will be an asset to the team." Walker, who will be 23 in May, went through the Somerset youth system and played a handful of second XI games before going up to Oxford Brooks and playing MCCU cricket in 2011 and 2012. A middle-order batter and off-spin bowler, Walker joined the MCC Young Cricketers' programme in 2013. He had three seasons with Herefordshire in the Minor Counties Championship. While attached to the Young Cricketers' programme, Walker spent the season with Bromley, racking up more than 400 runs in the Kent League Premier Division. Last season he played for Staffordshire side Milford Hall in Division Three of the Birmingham Premier League, scoring more than 700 runs at an average of 44.31. May, was a Devon age-group batsman who graduated to adult cricket with Barnstaple & Pilton. He had a spell with Braunton before moving to Sandford, playing seven times in the Premier Division last season. May is a professional rugby player attached to Exeter Chiefs and currently on a season-long loan to Cornish Pirates. More signings are expected.

THE Exeter Northcott Theatre has just announced that it is to put on a Christmas show - for the first time in a number of year. The production will be a brand-new adaptation of Charles Dickens' much-loved classic, A Christmas Carol and will be produced by the theatre and Creative Cow. Ebenezer Scrooge is a notoriously bitter old man who is determined not to let Christmas interfere with his miserly routine. But one Christmas Eve, Scrooge receives some unexpected supernatural visitors who are determined to show him the true spirit of Christmas and the error of his ways. Paul Jepson, Exeter Northcott Theatre's new artistic and executive director said he was delighted to be working with Tiverton-based Creative Cow. "It was a favourite book of mine when I was a child and is a favourite of my children. Creative Cow are a really exciting local company with bags of experience and broad appeal." Katherine Senior, Creative Cow's co-founder said: they were 'over the moon' to be working with the Nortcott. "It seems a long way off but we are already well in to the Christmas spirit and will be wrapped up in all things Scrooge from now until we open at the beginning of December 2015. "As a touring theatre company it is an exciting new venture for us to take residence for four weeks in a theatre and being a Devon based company it makes it extra special to be doing it at the Northcott." Creative Cow's artistic director Amanda Knott will direct an ensemble company of actors and musicians to bring this magical, inventive and heart-warming adaptation to the stage. "With Dickens' wit and masterful storytelling at its core it is guaranteed to appeal to young and old alike," said Amanda. "A Christmas Carol will melt even the coldest of hearts and leave all rejoicing with festive spirit." The show will run from December 4 to January 3. Details on www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

EXMOUTH HARRIERS Tom Merson maintained his dominance of the Westward Cross-Country League as he won the fifth event in Bovey Tracey. With one round to go, the Exmouth runner has maximum points and cannot be caught in the overall series. And Exmouth Harriers' men's team look like they will go one better than last year and finish as runners-up after the final fixture in Redruth next month. Merson completed the tough 9.3k course in 32mins 46secs. Jamie Palmer was also in the top 10 as he finished 10th in 34.29 and is on course to finish as the first male over-45 in the league. Tony Hatchard was 12th in 36.24, Adam Miller 26th in 38.23 and Marc Cox was 58th in 43.07. Nine Harriers took part in the 28k Four Trigs Challenge on Sunday, which involves finding your way between trig points round the Sid Valley. Richard Bishop was 10th in 2:45.00, and after him the Exmouth runners all finished with a clubmate at their side. Ben White and Scott Jordan shared 15th position in 2:53.18, Laura Jones, Emma White and Rebeca Fagg were equal 32nd in 3:18.24 while Dawn Teed, Lisa Hatchard and Lorraine Gilson crossed the line in 3:59.18. HALDON TRAIL RUNNERS Lizzy Dyson kept up her remarkable success in 2015 as she won a fourth race this year. She entered the marathon at the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series event in South Devon on Saturday – her first race of more than 20 miles – and finished 11th overall and first woman in 4:41.40. The following day, Paul Sadler marked his return from a long-term injury as he ran in the Westward Cross-Country League event at Bovey Tracey. Sadler was 67th in 44.17, with clubmate Danny Heggs 87th overall and second male over-55 in 46.01. Three HTRs also took part in the charity 5k at Stover School on Saturday. Martin McEneny led them home as he was sixth in 21.51, with Chris Hucker 12th in 23.49 and Jim Mouat 19th in 26.04.SOUTH WEST ROAD RUNNERS Jody Bee took part in the Four Trigs Challenge organised by Sidmouth Running Club and finished sixth in 2:25.10. Steve King also ran and finished 40th in 3:22.44. In the 5k charity cross-country run organised by Stover School, Ellie Sutcliffe continued her recent good form by finishing first woman and third overall in 20.10. Paul Barter, who also teaches at the school, finished 20th in 26.09.EXETER HARRIERS Exeter Harrier Ian Allen's preparation for the European Masters Indoor Championships in Poland next month are going well following excellent results at the South West Indoor Championships/Welsh Masters in Cardiff. Allen claimed three gold medals in the male over-45 age group, winning the 60m hurdles in 9.34secs, the high jump with 1.71m and long jump with 5.85m. In addition he also won a silver in the 60m sprint with 7.77secs. Bob Crowter won the 60m sprint in 8.73secs in the male over-50 age group, and Owen Styler was fourth overall in the senior men's 200m in 23.21. Natasha Mead, competing in the T13 category, recorded a new personal best in the 60m sprinti of 8.89secs and ran the 200m in 30.00secs, both races assisted by guide runner Sam Crowter.AXE VALLEY RUNNERS James Green finished second in the Four Trigs Challenge around the Sid Valley in 2:15.49. Two more AVRs were in the top 10, with Tim Lenton fourth in 2:30.31 and Patrick Devine Wright seventh in 2:25.20. Eleanor Wood was 30th in 3:14.07 and Roger Bramley 37th in 3:19.44. Lewis Burridge was the winner of the February junior handicap in 15.56. Caleb Sinclair (18.28) was second, Flo Swann (15.02) third, Imogen Waterhouse (16.03) fourth and Oliver Rodger (13.32) fifth. Milly Hart was the senior handicap winner with a new PB of 33.10, with Canny Hart second with a PB of 33.14. Gillian Peach (29.55) was third, Clare Hansford was fourth and Ian Apps (21.29) fifth. Emma Kiernan finished 32nd in the Hestercombe Humdinger half marathon in 1:40.06.INSTEP DEVON CHAMPIONSHIP Tiverton Harriers' Serane Stone leads the women's table of the Devon InStep Championship after two events. She gained maximum points at the First Chance 10k and Fulfords Five race to top the standings ahead of South West Road Runner Ellie Sutcliffe. Nick Casey of Crediton Running Network tops the men's table, followed by Martin Brace of Tiverton Harriers.Age category leaders, senior women: Ellie Sutcliffe (SWRR). Senior men: Adam Miller (Exmouth Harriers). Female over-35: Serane Stone (Tiverton Harriers). Male over-40: Nick Casey (Crediton Running Network). Female over-45: Julie Payne (Honiton Running Club). Male over-50: Tim Vialls (SWRR). Female over-55: Eileen Saunders (Tiverton Harriers). Male over-60: Lewis Jones (SWRR) The next event in the championship is the Exeter Age UK 10k on March 22.

Athletics: Merson wins in Bovey Tracey to continue to dominate league

West Premier 1 ISCA reaped the rewards of an aggressive start to register a handsome win over bottom-of-the-table Salisbury. Ness Sharman followed up a shot for a tap-in to open the scoring before Livvy Hoskins finished off a fine move. In the second half, Isca were out of the blocks quickly, with Kye Silver setting up Hoskins to round the keeper and make it 3-0. The result moved Isca to withing a point of fourth-placed Clifton. Jess Ramsey and Jen Burry were the players of match.West Premier 2B Isca B 4 Falmouth 3 Isca fought back on three occasions to somehow defeat Falmouth. Despite a bright start, Isca soon fell behind before equalising, only to go behind once again. Rachel Brooks made it 2-2 before half-time, but Falmouth scored again after the break. This time, Bethan Reade hauled Isca level before Georgie Taylor lifted a shot calmly over the keeper to secure an unlikely victory.South Division Exe A 2 Tavistock 3 Brave Exe went down to a capable Tavistock side despite a debut goal from Lucy Brook. Helena Nichols and Nicole Thackray combined well for Brook to net the opener, but second-placed Tavistock were always threatening and two goals in quick succession gave them a half-time lead. Player-of-the-match Rosie Karakusevic continued to thwart Tavistock's efforts with tackle after tackle, but Exe were caught on the break found themselves two goals down. The hosts rallied and pressed hard before Karen Tinley pulled one back, but an equaliser could not be found. Exe stay fourth from bottom with a match away at against White Eagles, the side just above them, to face next.Petroc Division 1 Dart 0 ISCA C 2 Third-placed Isca fourths built on an early goal to record a decent away win over Dart. Having taken an early lead, Isca doubled their advantage after Saskia Carter passed to Gemma Bashford who finished well. Katrina Hyde was named as player of the match. Isca D 1 Teign A 7 Isca fifths fell to their sixth home defeat of the season despite a battling performance against Teign. Mollie Tettenborn played well for Isca in goal, Imogen Ineson scored and Catt Bull was awarded the player-of-the-match award.

Hockey: Hoskins scores two as Isca thrash Salisbu

The number of student properties in Exeter has almost doubled in the past five years as the city's university continues to expand. Figures obtained by the Echo reveal the number of student dwellings in the city rose from 1,495 in October 2009 to 2,975 in October 2014 – an increase of 98.99%. Around three quarters of the increase was as a result of new purpose-built accommodation, including the £16m Printworks on Western Way with almost 500 apartments. But in the past three years the number of shared houses for students has stabilised and in some areas declined, according to the city council. Christine Fraser, chairman of St David's Neighbourhood Partnership, said: "What the residents want is balanced communities. Although it's great to have a large number of students in the city, most people don't want to feel outnumbered by them. "They can create a domino-effect whereby one property is sold to become a student dwelling and then others go the same way, because of the negative effect on property values." The number of Exeter University students, including those based in Cornwall, rose by 6.86% from 17,210 in 2009/10 to 19,325 in 2013/14. During that time the number of international students rose by more than an quarter (27.81%). Around 18,000 students are currently based in the city. A University of Exeter spokesman said: "The University is committed to reducing pressure on the city's housing stock by accommodating more students on campus." It added that £130 million worth of new student accommodation has recently been built on its Streatham Campus to provide space for 2,600 students. The council admitted it had lost "some" revenue normally raised through council tax on dwellings, because students are exempt from paying the charge. But the authority said it does receive money from the government to compensate for some of the losses. Last year the council revealed there were 4,100 families waiting for a council or housing association home in Exeter. It said a balance needed to be struck between homes for residents and accommodation for students. A Students' Guild spokesperson said: "Student residents in Exeter are invaluable to the community, not only in terms of revenue, but in the tens of thousands of volunteer hours they contribute to projects which support local charities, schools, community centres and residential groups. We are very proud of our strong and growing relationship with our community neighbours." The data, released by the council under the Freedom of Information Act, also showed the number of student properties was 5.51% of the 54,038 properties eligible for council tax.

Student properties in Exeter increase by 98% over five years

AN Exeter hotel is the first in the UK to launch a Paleo package. Unavailable anywhere else in the country, this unique break at The Magdalen Chapter gives guests the chance to experience an entirely Paleo friendly escape. A diet which has seen skyrocketing popularity in recent months, the Paleo plan is based on the diet of the Paleolithic era. Also known as the Hunter Gatherer, Caveman or Stone Age diet, it is high in meat and low in complex carbohydrates from sources like grains. It is also entirely gluten free. Hotel General Manager Fiona Moores said: "We are always looking to embrace new trends such as this and be ahead of the game. We're thrilled to be the first hotel to launch a tailored package to suit our Paleo guests." Throughout the two-night break, guests will feast from specially designed Paleo menus. Dishes will include a Thai style beef salad, grilled sardines with gremolata and rocket and lemon poached chicken with sweet onions, followed by deserts of spiced plums with cinnamon, and mango with strawberry granita. A seasonal fresh fruit plate will await guests in their room on arrival. Each morning guests will rise and shine with a bespoke Paleo breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients. The two-day break also includes a treatment at the hotel Spa for one of the guests. For more details call 01392 590255.

Exeter hotel first to offer Paleo Package

Jack Nowell has not been included in Stuart Lancaster's England squad after the head coach named an unchanged 23 to take on Italy on Saturday. Nowell was a travelling reserve alongside Henry Slade for England's game against Wales in Cardiff last week. But the duo will miss out on Saturday's Twickenham clash, and both are now expected to be available for Exeter Chiefs' home match with Newcastle Falcons instead.England squad to face Italy: Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), Nick Easter (Harlequins), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Exeter Chiefs wing Jack Nowell not included in England squad

A man with a drink problem who set fire to his own home has admitted putting the lives of his neighbours in danger. Philip Fewings had been drinking cider for several hours before he lit two fires in his garden, another in a communal hallway and a fourth inside his flat in Dawlish. The last fire was put out within seconds by firefighters who had already been called to the other late night blazes in Chestnut Walk. Fewings, aged 61, of Cestnut Walk, Dawlish, admitted arson being reckless whether life was endangered and his case was adjourned for a probation pre sentence report by Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court. The case had been listed for trial but Fewings admitted the arson and was bailed to await sentence. Miss Sarah Vince, defending, said a psychiatric report has already been prepared on Fewings but the court may be helped by a pre sentence report. Firefighters were called to Chestnut Walk in June this year to tackle the remains of two small fires in a garden and one in a balcony area, which had been started using bedding. They found another small fire which had been started very shortly before inside Fewings' property. An earlier hearing was told he had been drinking before the incident and that the fire had the potential to put his neighbours at risk, including one who was asleep in an adjoining property.

Man with drinking problem admits Dawlish arson

A former county cricketer has been jailed for a savage attack on a friend who he spotted kissing his wife on the CCTV system at the pub which he ran. Raoul East was cleared of attempted murder but jailed for four years for the attack which was captured on the same CCTV system at the bar in Seaton, Devon. Victim Andrew Hines had been the disc jockey at the pub the night before and stayed on for an all night drinking session which ended at 5.00 am when East went upstairs. He left his wife Debra with Mr Hines, who leant across the bar and started kissing her passionately on the lips without realising the whole scene was being relayed upstairs by the CCTV system. The same camera then captured 25-stone six-footer East as he stormed into the bar, dragged Mr Hines off his bar stool, stamped on him at least three times and punched him in the face as hard as he could six to eight times. He then stepped away, picked up a bar stool, turned it upside down, and used it to batter the unconscious victim twice as he lay on the floor of the bar. He returned to his flat above the Vault Bar but returned five minutes later with a steak knife which was used to inflict a 3.5 centimetre deep wound in the victim's chest. East, aged 38, is a former MCC, Somerset and Worcester Second XI cricketer who played with and against England stars including Graeme Swann and Matthew Hoggard. He said the stabbing was accidental and happened while he was trying to use the knife to threaten Mr Hines. East, of Marine Place, Seaton, denied attempted murder and was found not guilty by a jury at Exeter Crown Court. He admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was jailed for four years by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC. He told him:"You were upstairs at the public house where you had drunk probably more than you should sensibly have done. You looked at the CCTV covering the bar area and saw your partner Debra and Mr Hines. "He was the DJ that night and they were kissing each other in a manner which clearly caused you to lose your temper and come down to the bar, understandably. "The CCTV pictures the jury saw showed you punching him as hard as you could. There is no question about that and you knocked him out with the first blow. "You talked about stamping on him without force but it is quite clear you used as much force as you could possibly have done. Having injured him in that way you picked up a bar stool and brought it down on him. "He suffered a number of injuries to his head and a fracture of one vertebra. It was a sustained assault. I take into account there was a greater degree of provocation than is normal and this was out of character. Mr Robert Cowley, defending, said a sheaf of references showed East to be 'a gentle giant', who has no record for violence or any other offending. He said:"It is plain he was deeply hurt, upset and angry at what he saw on the CCTV." During the three day trial East told the jury he had been the landlord of The Vault for ten years and run it with his wife Debra for five or six. On the night of the attack he went upstairs to his flat to watch cricket on television in the early hours, leaving Debra in the bar with Mr Hines. He said the CCTV monitor was under the television and he was shocked to see his wife kissing Mr Hines. He said:"I glanced down at the CCTV and I could not believe what I saw. He was my mate and it was not a nice thing to see. I thought we were friends. "I went straight downstairs. I reacted and went straight down. I intended to hit him. I was angry. I felt betrayed. It should not have happened. "I grabbed him and got him on the floor. I stamped on his stomach and punched him to his head and stamped on his chest. I aimed the bar chair at his chest and not his head. "I admit I intended to hit him and to hurt him but I did not want him going into a coma or going to hospital. I did not intend to kill him and I stopped because I did not want it to get any worse. "He was conscious but disoriented and there were a few moans." East said he went back upstairs to call his aunt to ask her to come round to look at Mr Hines and went back downstairs with the knife.

Former county cricketer jailed for revenge attack on man he saw kissing his wife

Exeter Chiefs youngster Stuart Townsend says that England under-20s have been training hard to flush out the disappointment of their poor start to their Six Nations campaign. England host Italy at Brickfields in Plymouth on Friday (7.45pm) looking to put last week's 21-15 defeat to Wales behind them. Townsend lasted just over an hour of the contest before being replaced, while there was no place in the squad for Chiefs teammates Sam Skinner and Jack Innard. The 19-year-old scrum-half has kept his place in the starting line-up, with Topsham's Skinner named on the bench. And Townsend says the squad are trying to move on from that disappointing result by concentrating on improvements on the training pitch. "We are keen to put it behind us. The defeat was disappointing but the boys have worked very hard in training this week for what is obviously a big game," he said. "We have just been focusing on ourselves, not worrying about the opposition and focusing on our own attack and defence. "There were a few things that went wrong. We didn't quite get the breakdown right so we have worked on that this week. "The mood in the camp is definitely good. We are disappointed after the loss but we have been training well and everyone has perked up."

Stuart Townsend says England under-20s are keen to improve against Italy

Wessex coach Dean Jeffery hopes Longlevens had spies at Flowerpot Field last Saturday watching his side make hard work of beating lowly Torrington 18-17. Torrington are propping up the Devon One table and look odds-on for relegation after one year up. Wessex are away to holders Longlevens this Saturday in RFU Vase with a Twickenham final in their sights. Longelevens beat Rugby Lions in last season's final and Wessex wouldn't mind a bit of that sort of glory themselves. "First we have to get past Longlevens and that's unlikely if we play as badly as we did against Torrington," said Jeffery. "I hope Longlevens had someone watching us as they would have gone away with totally the wrong impression about us. "We went two tries up, took our foot off and just about did enough to win. That won't do in Gloucestershire, that's for sure." Jeffery left out George Meldon to rest an injury and expects the talented No. 8 to be on the bus to Longlevens. Full-back Andy Alderman won't be, though, as he cannot get time off work. Topsham have knockout action closer to home as they entertain Plymstock in the semi-finals of the Devon Junior Vase. The semi-finals are a two-legged affair and the first should have been played last month. Topsham had a rearranged league game to get out of the way, so they are lagging behind New Cross and Salcombe in the other semi. New Cross ran out 34-6 winners in their first leg. Tops beat Old Technicians 14-10 last time out to move into the Devon One mid-table zone. Ricky Pellow's three penalties and an Aled Rosser try were enough to see them to victory. Prop Marcus Cottle showed up well on his debut. Cottle was with University of Exeter when they were a Devon Two side four years ago.North Tawton used a friendly against Crediton seconds to make experimental changes following their defeat at Tamar Saracens. Tawts are playing away to Old Technicians in the Devon Junior Cup semi-finals this weekend and wanted to have a look at their options. Will Lethbridge, Ben Sharp (2) and Simon Quick scored tries in the 36-22 defeat.

I hope Longlevens spied on us, says Wessex coach Dan Jeffrery

Football is, as Pelé once said, 'a beautiful game', but it is a long way short of being perfect. You can imagine Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale was contemplating that very notion as he travelled back from Bury on Saturday afternoon, frustrated that his side hadn't been given an 85th-minute penalty that would have, if converted, gone a long way to boosting their chances of promotion this season. David Wheeler had tried to stay on his feet and get a shot away as he was clipped in the area by Bury defender Jimmy McNulty. His honesty was punished as referee Nigel Miller didn't award a spot-kick even though Wheeler had been denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. "The decision was not only a bad decision for the game, it was an absolutely shocking decision for football," fumed Tisdale after the match. "Do we have to tell our players to dive and roll around on the floor to get a decision?" Unfortunately, it seems, the answer to that question is yes. It is far from ideal, but I don't see how a player is going to get awarded a penalty if he doesn't appeal for one by falling to the ground. I recall in the 2002 World Cup, the Republic of Ireland getting a spot-kick in the final minute of their second-round clash with Spain, when Fernando Hierro grabbed hold of Niall Quinn's shirt. Quinn didn't appeal or go to ground, but Anders Frisk still pointed to the spot. However, I can recall that incident because of how rare it was. We are also talking about a top-class official in Frisk. He is someone who has the courage and strong-willed nature to make such a decision – sadly you aren't going to get that from League Two referees. Watch the Niall Quinn penalty incident mentioned here: I think most fans wouldn't have a problem with a player falling to the ground if there is contact either. It is not really a player trying to con the referee, just to make sure he sees that there has been contact – and sometimes it is difficult to spot. However, fans are growing frustrated by incorrect decisions costing their sides points and promotion. So what is the solution? Video replays and harsher punishments for diving, time-wasting and swearing at match officials? Yes, I think those measures would all help, but I don't expect to see them introduced anytime soon. It must be frustrating for managers like Tisdale that the football authorities don't seem willing to address the current problems. This is because, like Pelé, he has an idealistic view and can see what football could be. They know football can do better and want their team to set an example by conducting themselves in a well-behaved manner. Some would argue that City should scrap their fair play if they don't get any reward for it and instead resort to diving, intimidating officials and wasting time. And it is valid argument as they would get more reward for it. But what does that say about football and the not-so-beautiful game?

City opinion: Beautiful but mistake-filled game is far from perfect for the idealists

So, it's Welford Road in the semi-final of the LV= Cup for Exeter Chiefs. Our largely young LV= squad were beaten by an irresistible Saracens side on Sunday to deny us a home semi but, having already qualified, the opportunity is there for the travelling Tribe to visit that Midland rugby cathedral in Leicester for another mouth-watering encounter with the Tigers for Devon's top team. Yes, Sarries proved just too good at Allianz Park once England international Alex Goode came on to take the No. 10 berth for the Fez Men, but we can draw a lot of positives from the encounter. It was a massive learning curve for so many developing Chiefs and a welcome return to form for Tom Johnson, who continues his recovery from surgery. Indeed, there were big performances from loads of our lads – I was particularly impressed with the form of Sam Skinner, who looks every inch a thoroughbred. Talking inches, they don't come much bigger than fellow lock Will Carrick-Smith. I know how tough it is for a young man to progress through the ranks as a second row. Watching Sunday's game, one wonders whether we might just have been watching two international stars of tomorrow in Will and his Sarries counterpart Maro Itoje. These are early days I know, but who knows what the future holds? As for the present, England grabbed an important win at the Millennium Stadium as Ireland and France struggled to show their best. A much-improved Scotland appear to be on the up as do Italy, but it is a muscley England who I think have inched ahead as probable Championship favourites. Six Nations rugby has never been bigger. Its importance, like the FA Cup, is emphasised by a BBC keen to maximise coverage of any elite-level sport that escapes the budget of the pay-for-view broadcasters. With the World Cup looming ever closer, rugby's evolution continues to develop as never before. Let there be no mistake, the Chiefs' success in recent years has succeeded in promoting Exeter, Devon and our South West community to be big players on the main stage. Rugby matters greatly to yours truly, and the Exmouth team on Saturday. National Three South West is a country mile in standard from the elite-level game, but the principles, passions and endeavour remain the same. Faced with an opening onslaught by a feisty Hornets, the Muff were not so mighty as we fell 14-0 behind in the first 10 minutes. Matters got worse for the Cockles cause when yours truly was shown yellow for some inexplicable reason. The ensuing penalty was awarded in favour of the Cockles but I, bleeding mouth and all, was dispatched for 10 minutes to the bin. Cutting to the chase, Jon Hill's Exmouth fronted up to show maturity, character and dogged determination to grab a 20-19 win with a drop goal deep into injury time. Yes, rugby certainly mattered to us on Saturday as it did to the officials and thousands of players of all ages who turned out, as they do every weekend, to play this wonderful game. The powers that be are shaping a new format from the third level down in two years' time. Rugby – like life itself – does not stand still, with the rules of natural selection playing a big part in the final outcomes. Only the fittest survive to go on to thrive and enjoy the fruits of success. It comes at a price and one hopes our rugby fathers in high places provide a recipe for all to succeed relative to their aspirations and station. Hey ho, I'm philosophising again – time to get back to certainties. Dean Richards' Newcastle Falcons are a certain reality coming to Sandy Park on Saturday as Premiership action returns. With success and failure in elite-level sport decided by the narrowest of margins, every game matters and every point counts. We're getting down to the business end of the season and will be looking for league points in Saturday's rehearsal for our European Challenge Cup quarter-final. It's an opportunity to wear our feelings on our sleeves and raise the tomahawk chop loud and clear for all to hear. We're all in this together Devon, the journey continues. And finally, one of the most famous readers of this column, our very own Thomas Waldrom, has been in touch to pass his verdict on my weekly musings. Following the award of the Everyman Inspiration Big Bong in my new year's honours, the Tank has in fact been catching up every week with thumbs up or thumbs down. Surprisingly enough, last week garnered a positive response but he has decided to go one step further by offering to answer one question and one question only from a reader about anything to do with rugby. In light of this, I would suggest sending your questions to @ccbentos with #askthetank. He was also keen to add the caveat of a cream tea and scone from a friendly supporter to keep up his portly frame! I look forward to seeing as manmy of you as possible at Sandy Park on Saturday evening, where we can unite as one to tell the nation that we are the Exeter Chiefs and we are serious about the business in which we are becoming very good. Until the next time, stay safe and enjoy your rugby.

Chris Bentley column: Saracens defeat still left Exeter Chiefs with plenty to cheer

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale had mixed emotions after his side fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Cambridge United on Tuesday. The Grecians found themselves 2-0 down after some poor defending led to Robbie Simpson opening the scoring six minutes before half-time and Craig Woodman putting into his own goal five minutes into the second half. But Tom Nichols reduced the arrears with his 11th goal of the season before David Wheeler climbed off the substitutes' bench to head a deserved 88th-minute equaliser for Tisdale's side. The manager was pleased with the character shown by his players but rued the soft nature of their defending, especially the second goal by the unfortunate Woodman, who Tisdale felt was also at fault for Tranmere's opening goal in the last game at St James's Park. "I have mixed feelings," Tisdale said. "I have congratulated them because I thought they were outstanding in the second half, but I also spoke to them about the issues of the first half and how we got things so wrong. "Both goals we conceded were soft. What can I say? I mean, as good as Craig Woodman has been this season, that is two home games now on the trot where you could say it has cost us points. Two mistakes at the back post. Ultimately, I am culpable for the team's performance and results, but the players are culpable for their positions and what they do. "Craig has been one of our best players this season, but that is two (home) games in a row where he has made a meal of a cross to the back post. He is wise enough and good enough to be better than that and I have told him so, but that's the way it is. They have to make sure they do a better job in those moments." The outcome of the game could have been so different had referee Mick Russell shown Josh Coulson a red card after the Cambridge defender hauled Nichols down when the Exeter top-scorer was clean through on goal with the scores level at 0-0. It was a clear goalscoring chance and Coulson was the last man, but Russell only booked the defender. This came off the back of Saturday's draw at Bury, where Tisdale hit out at officials for not awarding Wheeler a late penalty. This time Tisdale took a more diplomatic stance on the controversy, saying: "It is hard for me to discuss. I didn't see it." But his demeanour suggested otherwise, and rightly so given how bad Russell was all evening. The draw did little to boost Exeter's hopes of climbing into the top seven, but it did at least stop a run of three straight defeats on home soil.

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has mixed feeling about his side's performance against Cambridge

The Line up for Boardmasters festival in Cornwall 2015 has been announced. Since 1981, Boardmasters has been held at Fistral beach as a surf competition, with major interest growing over the years. It is now one of the biggest events in the UK Surf calendar, a major music festival and proudly local to the South West. Split between Newquay's Fistral beach and Watergate Bay, Boardmasters is held from Wednesday 5th to Sunday 9th August. Headline acts will include Rudimental who rose to fame in 2013 with their number 1 song 'Feel the Love' featuring singer John Newman, and BRIT Award winners Bastille. Hip- hop giants De La Soul, who have just celebrated their 25th anniversary, will be play a live set as well as Clean Bandit, The Darkness, Nick Mulvey, Lower than Atlantis, Reef, MNEK, Sunset Sons and DJ EZ. Clean Bandit topped UK charts last year with the #1 "Rather Be". Speaking last year about their coming performance, Rudimental said "We had an amazing time when we played Boardmasters a few years ago! We can't wait to come back next year and celebrate our second album with everyone!" Fans of Boardmasters have been requesting a return performance from Bastille. Frontman, Dan Smith said, "Growing up in the South West, Boardmasters was a festival I always wanted to play so when it was cancelled last year I was devastated. Hopefully coming back this year will help make up for it and we'll be able to play some material from our new album as well." The festival was forced to close early in 2014 due to ex-Hurricane Bertha. Surf competitions will be spread across the weekend at Fistral Beach with international pro level male and female surfers, longboarding competitions, a 'groms-on-air' show for top level youngsters and professional skate and BMX competitions. Last year's surf champions included Jock Barnes winner of the Men's Open and Keshia Eyre, Women's Open winner. Competitions are sponsored by big brands such as Animal and Davidoff and last year's collective take home prize money came to £22,000, making Boardmasters one of the biggest surf events in the UK. Festival Director Andrew Topham stated: "We now couldn't be more excited about Boardmasters 2015 and announcing Rudimental as our first headliner. Demand is at an all time high." Festival tickets are on sale now through the website. The final headline act and final line-up additions to will be announced soon.

Rudimental, De La Soul and Bastille: Line up announced for Boardmasters 2015