Evening ladies and gents and welcome back to another blog, the last for September, boy has it been an exciting month with the Chiefs showing form in their win over Devonport Services last weekend, Athletic on the winning trail and the Buccs and Colts all in action this weekend.
The Chiefs travel to Exmouth looking to capitalise on their form with a first win on the road. Kick off there is 2.30pm and as there is a train strike that day, so, to get as many of you there as we can, Barnstaple rugby have put on a supporters bus. Leaving Barnstaple Rugby Club at 11.45 it is just £10pp and will leave Exmouth to return to Barnstaple at 5.30pm. There are limited places as you would expect so get in quick by contacting either Jim Hudson 07710 164367 or Verity 07812 858218 to book your seat.
Athletic are back on home soil to face Devonport Services II, as are the Buccaneers who take on Ilfracombe both games also kick off at 2.30pm. The Colts travel to Devonport following a restful week off.
Just a couple of announcements to get us going today and to kick things off we would like to give a big welcome to another new sponsor to Barnstaple Rugby and to the membership Scheme as La Vita Showroom Ltd join us with a whooping 15% discount on their kitchens and bathrooms to club members full details on the membership page on our website at
Pre-Match Roast Dinner £10 + Entry
We have a great offer for you with a sumptuous meal before the game against Ivybridge on October 14th. We are putting on a pre-match roast dinner for just a tenner plus your entry fee, yes that’s right just £10 + entry will get you a lovely roast dinner before the game. But hurry you will need to book your meal by Tuesday the 10th October, just email
BARNSTAPLE CHIEFS
Well, what a cracking game that was last weekend against a good Devonport services side who caused the Chiefs a few problems in the first half and almost went in at half time in the lead.
The first half started fairly evenly for both teams and it was Devonport who struck first converting a penalty kick for three points, however it wasn’t long until the Chiefs entered Devonport’s 22 for the first time and the line out and maul following a penalty soon found its way over the try line with Ashlee Crouch scoring. However, the Chiefs never capitalised on this early score and with too many penalties coupled with some excellent Devonport defence never allowed the Chiefs to get on the front foot to apply enough pressure and in fact it was Devonport with the majority of possession who took the lead with a converted try and penalty as we headed into the final 10 minutes of the half 7-13. The Chiefs though, hit back immediately as Brandon Moore took the ball off the back of the maul to go over and with the sides swapping penalties before the end of the half the Chiefs went in after 40 with the slenderest of leads 17-16.
The second half was another story as the supporters got to see what they have been waiting for this season, the Chiefs genuinely go up a gear or two and come out firing on all cylinders. After just three minutes the Chiefs recovering their kick off saw Brandon Moore score his second try. Then a powerful run by Dan Johnson, who was just unstoppable throughout the second half, saw him go over for another with less than 10 minutes played. Devonport pushed back and managed to create problems for the Chiefs whose racking up of penalties saw them get a technical yellow but by now the Chiefs tackling was relentless and even down to 14 men they were never going to concede points this half. It wasn’t until the final 15 minutes however that the Chiefs were to score again with both Ross Swales and Sam Roberts scoring to round up what was a very well deserved victory for the Chiefs.
To sum up, it was really pleasing to see the intensity that the Chiefs came out with for the second half and plenty of supporters I have ran into over the week have commentated just that, and that is really good to see, it was needed against a very good Devonport side who defended well in the game, especially in the first half. Yes there were too many penalties which stunted the Chiefs ability to apply consistent pressure but I am sure the coaches will be well pleased with how the team played and how they responded coming out for the second half.
Today Barnstaple find themselves on old familiar ground as they travel South to Exmouth for a reunion of sorts for Barnstaple’s head coach Winston James as they make their way to compete with a coach who has a long history with the Chiefs from working together for many seasons, namely Steve Perry. It should be an interesting game and one of very important significance as Exmouth are currently above Barnstaple by just a single point in 4th place. With wins over Lydney 40-36, Matson 31-32 and Okehampton 33-3, they will provide a tough challenge for the Chiefs and not just because of their form but also the long history these two clubs have with each other, it should make for a fascinating spectacle.
The Chiefs will really want to win this one not just because it is Exmouth, although that is always a good reason, but also because by doing so they are building momentum for the game in 4 weeks’ time when they travel to the current league leaders and the only team undefeated so far, Launceston on October 21st. A good result here and another against Ivybridge at home on October 14th will give the Chiefs a lot of impetus going into that match.
There is just a couple of changes today, Jake Murphy returns and plays at outside centre while Jake Patrick and Charlie Banfield take over duties in the second row. Here then is your Chiefs team to face Exmouth
barnstaple ATHLETIC
Following on from that win against South Molton the Tic’s were in good spirit as they headed off to Withycombe in a crunch game against the team who pushed them throughout last season for that third spot and are currently third this season. It looked like that good spirit was justified as they cruised to a comfortable 3-17 lead at half time with tries from Joe Messenger in the second minute and Cameron Grizzle-Johnson, who also converted both tries and a penalty.
Starting the second half as they did the first, Athletic again scored within the first two minutes as Cameron converted his own try and the Tic’s looked even more comfortable at 3-24. Withycombe had other ideas and three tries later the scores narrowed to 20-24. With just 5 minutes to go Cameron extended the lead to 20-31 only for Withycombe to come back again with just two minutes left on the clock. Thankfully Barnstaple held their nerve and won what was probably a heart stopping but very exciting second half 27-31.
Today they are back on home soil in another crunch match as they take on Devonport Services II who are undefeated this season and currently sit in second place. This will be a big big test for the Tic’s as Devonport have some big scores in those wins beating Plymouth Argaum 59-19 and North Tawton 70-10, so they know how to score although their away form is not so impressive beating Honiton 24-31 and Old Plymothian & Mannamedian 6-28. They are all wins though and Athletic are going to need to be at the top of their game for this one. Kick off is 2.30pm
Here then is your team to face Devonport Services II
Bucc’s and Colts
The Buccaneers are again at home to take on Ilfracombe who they beat at the start of the season 17-31. Last Saturday they had a good win over visitors Bideford II 32-12. Tries from Llewyn Jago (x2), Big H, Pete Gammon and Puncy sealed all five points for the undefeated Bucc’s.
The Colts had the weekend off and should be full of fire as they travel to Devonport hoping to show further improvements in what has been a difficult start to the season for them.
Here then is your Bucc’s and Colts for this weekends fixtures.
So there you have ladies and gentleman, that’s it for another weekend, don’t forget after Athletics games the club will be showing FIJI v GEORGIA at 4.45pm and SCOTLAND v ROMANIA at 8pm
Next weekend there is no rugby as it is a reserve weekend so I’m taking the weekend off from the blog and putting my feet up. The next game is a ripper with Barnstaple Chiefs welcoming Ivybridge to Pottington Road on October 14th. It will be a cracking game and don’t forget about the meal deal we have for that one.
Good luck to all our teams playing today and I really hope everyone has a great weekend catch up in a fortnight.
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