An enthusiastic crowd at Pottington Road saw fourteen tries as Rugby League came to North Devon on Sunday, the Raiders going down 58-20 to reigning South West Champions the Devon Sharks in round one of the co-operative Rugby League Championship.

Union commitments meant that both side were under strength but, following an even opening period, Sharks' England International Matt Jackson crossed the line to post the first ever Rugby League points in Barnstaple followed by further tries from Lloyd Radford, Rory Williams and another Jackson touchdown to give the visitors a 20-0 lead as the rookie Raiders struggled to adapt to the new code.

However, as the Raiders began to get to grips with the game they began to post attacking raids of their own with Will Potts and Ben MacDonald going close before Barnstaple's Winston James grabbed the Raiders first ever points to wild applause from the main stand and the youngsters in the "Chicken Shed".

Veteran loose forward Tony Emmins, on loan from East Devon Eagles, was now leading his side from the front with some punishing bursts into the midfield defence of the Sharks and the Raiders again went close to scoring but a brace of tries from Tom Channon and Williams, both goaled by Jackson, gave the visitors a 32-4 lead at the turnaround.

The re-introduction of Winston James along with fellow Barnstaple player Jason Slade, made a big difference to the Raiders and they were the better side in the twenty minutes after the restart with both scoring to close the gap to 32-14.

However, any thoughts of a memorable comeback were soon quashed as the Sharks quickly answered with a try of their own to ease the pressure.

The Raiders were now playing an exciting brand of rugby, with sweeping passing moves thrilling the crowd but giving the coach nightmares as the ball was thrown around with gay abandon but, unfortunately for the home side, no reward until full back Will Topps rounded off another fine performance following on from his Man of the Match performance at the South West Nines on Monday with a try converted by James to make it 42-20.

The Raiders tired in the final ten minutes, resulting in a try for Harry Knapman along with touchdowns by Williams and John Woodhouse stretching the final score to 58-20. Three tries in the last ten minutes gave the scoreline a lopsided look which didn't do the Raiders justice, who, after a difficult spell in the in the first half, proved equal to the Sharks and can only have learnt from their first experience  of a full Rugby League game.

Raiders spokesman Keith Fillingham was pleased with his side's first up effort and the day in general.

"To stage the first game in North Devon is a big achievement for everyone involved with the club and the way everyone pulled together today bodes well for the future of the Raiders. It was encouraging to hear cries of 'Raiders' from both the main stand and the "Chicken Shed" and hopefully more people will come along to our next home game on June 6th to see what Rugby League is about. This Saturday's game at Exmouth is another big step on our learning curve though, hopefully, with the Union season now over, we can compliment our team with some quality players from the local Union scene. Famous last words, but Rugby League is here to stay in Barnstaple".

RAIDERS: Will Topps, Nico Casanova, Jose Casanova, Jamie Spence, Liam Currie, Ben MacDonald, Ash Francis, Winston James, Ross Goodwin, James Owen, Jason Slade, Chris Spence, Nick Smith, Tony Emmins, Ben Parry.

Tries: James 2, Topps, Slade.
Goals: James 2
Half Time: 4-32
Referee: Derek Blackburn