ILFRACOMBE RFC are delighted to have reached the Devon Junior Shield final.

The Devon Merit Table club booked their place by beating high-flying Devon One side Exeter Saracens 18-12.

“We are very happy,” said Ilfracombe spokesman Leo Cooper. “We beat a team from the league above, who have only been beaten once, so it was not just about having a good draw. It was a really good result for us.”

Fly-half Dermot Dalton scored 13 of Ilfracombe’s points against Exeter Saracens, with a try, two penalties and a conversion. Their other points came from a try by flanker Sam Coates.

Ilfracombe were one of five teams to opt to join the new-look Devon Merit Table in the summer rather than an expanded Devon One. And it has proved a successful move for Ilfracombe, who are enjoying playing in the new league. They are having a good season and have only lost once – away at Sidmouth II.

The north Devon club will host the shield final on March 16. They will play either Salcombe or DHSOB who will meet in the other semi-final this weekend.