Good evening, Mighty Barum fans! As we gear up for an exhilarating weekend at the Barnstaple Rugby Club, we’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates. The Barnstaple Chiefs are set to face St. Austell in what promises to be a riveting final home game of the regular season proudly sponsored by our long term supporters of Barnsataple Rugby, Torch Farm Vets.

In another corner of the rugby world, Athletic is poised for a pivotal encounter against Old Plymothian & Mannamedian. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as a bonus point victory would not only crown them the Counties 2 Tribute Devon champions but also catapult them to Counties 1, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are on a quest of their own as they set sail to Crediton. Their mission is clear: secure all five points to solidify their chances of hosting a home semi-final. It’s a strategic move that could define their season and they’re leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of this goal.

Last but certainly not least, the Colts face a daunting challenge as they head to Ivybridge for a tough quarter-final bout in the Devon Colts Cup. It’s a test of mettle, skill, and teamwork, and they’re ready to prove their worth on this grand stage.

So, there you have it—a weekend packed with action, ambition, and rugby excellence as we finish of March is style. There is also plenty of news on the horizon including a full diary of rugby in April beginning with: –

April 6th – Athletics final game of the regular season where we hope to be able to crown them Champions of Counties 2 Tribute Devon. Kick off 2.30pm

April 13th – Papa John’s Community Cup Barnstaple Chiefs v Launceston kicks off 2.30pm

April 20th – Devon 2nd XV Cup Barnstaple Athletic already qualified for final opponents TBC after  their semi-final match. Kick off 3pm

Dave Butt Cup Semi finals Barnstaple Buccaneers in Semi-Finals possibility of home draw TBC

April 27th – Dave Butt Cup Finals teams TBC following semi’s

So, there you have it your early spring time all mapped out. There is also the possibility of a Papa John’s Cup semi final on May 5th, if the Chiefs make it that far but let’s not count our chickens before they hatch as the Chiefs have three very competitive games to win before then. Details of these dates shown below so you can mark them in your diaries.

U16’s Fisherman’s Cup update

Barnstaple U16’s are still going strong in the Fisherman’s cup having won 2 drawn 1 and lost 1. They currently find themselves in third place behind Devonport and Newton Abbot. Their next game is against Newton abbot U16’s this Sunday, if they win that one it will put them right into the mix for that finals place as the top two teams in their league go through.

BARNSTAPLE CHIEFS

JAKE MURPHY – 150 appearances

A monumental salute to Jake Murphy on the remarkable occasion of his 150th game for the Chiefs! It’s a journey that few could have predicted would span over eight seasons, a testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for the club. Jake’s tenure with the Chiefs has been nothing short of spectacular, endearing him to fans and teammates alike. His prowess and finesse on the field have not only entertained but also inspired, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the team’s storied history.

Throughout his impressive career with the Chiefs, Jake has been a scoring powerhouse, racking up an impressive 449 points. This tally includes 13 tries, 99 conversions, and 62 penalties, showcasing his versatility and clutch performance under pressure. His scoring feats place him at the prestigious rank of number 24 among Barnstaple RFC’s all-time points scorers—a rank that speaks volumes of his skill and dedication.

As we celebrate this milestone, it’s clear that Jake’s story is far from over. With more games ahead, the anticipation builds for what he will accomplish next. The supporters, the club, and the sport itself eagerly await the continued display of his remarkable talent. Here’s to Jake Murphy—may his legacy continue to grow and his contributions to the Chiefs be ever memorable.

Barnstaple Chiefs

The Chiefs continued in the same vein as their previous match on their visit to Okehampton, winning 45-8. It took a while for the Chiefs to get going, taking a good 30 minutes to register any score after Okehampton had taken the lead 8-0. Once the first try was scored the second followed very quickly as Brandon Moore completed two of his hat-trick of tries within five minutes. To lead 14-0 after Tyler converted both.

The second half saw the flood gates open as a further five tries were scored beginning with Martinas Domantas, almost immediately a penalty try soon followed, before Arthur Marks and Ross Swales registered tries and then in the 78th minute Brandon Moore completed his hat-trick. Tyler finished the game with 4 conversions.

It is however still advantage to Devonport who must now be odds-on favourites after their bonus point 6-26 win at Launceston resulting in them only needing one win from two games to secure the league and promotion to National two status. For the Chiefs they will still need this win, as if they need any motivation, to keep Chew Valley at bay who are just four points behind and any slip by Barnstaple will be pounced on by the third placed team.

Today’s opponents, St. Austell have not had the best of seasons with some indifferent results but do find themselves in 8th place with just 7 wins this season although a home win against Exmouth and the 34-34 draw at Brixham, are possibly the highlights of their season so far.

Now before we get to the team for this Saturday just a few stats for you to digest. The Chiefs have the best defensive record in the league conceding just 312 points, the only team other than Devonport to concede less than 400 so far this season. Brandon Moore who is our top try scorer is tied at the top of try scorers with Harrison Coonick of Devonport with 21 tries each and Barnstaple are also tied with Devonport as the best travellers with 6 wins apiece on the road so far. Now lets look at the team that is going to improve on those stats.

BARNSTAPLE ATHLETIC

Barnstaple Athletic took one huge step towards promotion and the Counties 2 Tribute Devon title last weekend with a 49-0 win over visiting North Tawton scoring nine tries in the process. With Torquay only getting 4 points from the win at Devonport, this means that Athletic are just a bonus point win from their last two games in clinching that title.

Tom Swales got the Tics off to a flying start just before the 10-minute mark followed by three more tries in 8 minutes to secure the bonus point, from Gav Mitchell, Ryan Lee and Alex Penny. Ben Jago finished the half with his try for the home side to go in at the break 25-0 up and coasting. Now i would like to describe the tries for you unfortunately they were coming thick and fast i just didn’t have time to take notes so your going to have to put up with just the summary.

The second half produce much the same story as Joe Messenger scored with just 2 minutes gone and then Oliver James and Ben Beattie both scored within the next 10 minutes. Luke Flynn finished the try fest off with one of his own as the Tic’s cruised to a resounding victory that has reenforced their claim to the title and promotion with tries coming from across the whole team with both backs and forwards getting in on the action.

This was very much a well drilled solid performance from Athletic which has showed emphatically how much they have matured, improved and gelled as a team creating some real quality rugby, where their defence has been at the heart of it all. They are undefeated at home with the best defensive record, conceding just 66 points at home, and are also the best travellers in the league with 7 wins.

Today they travel to Old Plymothian & Mannamedian, looking to secure the title with a game spare and the team to do just that is pretty much unchanged with the welcome return of Mitch Turner and Jake Patrick.

Devon 2nd XV Cup 2023-24

However the rugby doesn’t stop there for Barnstaple Athletic as they are confirmed finalists of the Devon 2nd XV Cup which will be played on 20th April here at Pottington Road, kick off is 3pm for that one. Who said that there was no rugby here in April.

The Buccaneers and Colts

The Buccaneers. 

The Buccaneers have solidified their position as the top contenders in the league after a decisive 59-7 victory over Tiverton. This impressive win has set the stage for the Buccaneers to maintain their lead, especially with South Molton’s assistance in holding back the Exeter Engineers, preventing them from securing a try bonus point. As a result, the Buccaneers now enjoy an 11-point lead over the Engineers, who have two games in hand.

To secure the merit table, the Buccaneers need to focus on their final three games. Achieving bonus-point victories in these matches would not only clinch the title but also guarantee a semi-final match on their home turf. The challenge ahead is significant, as all three games are away, with the first against the 5th placed Crediton this Saturday. The Buccaneers’ journey is a testament to their skill and determination, and the upcoming matches are crucial for their aspirations of becoming the undisputed champions.

DAVE BUTT CUP 

The good news for the Bucc’s is not matter how things stand they are competing for the Dave Butt cup for another season. As things stand at the moment the semi-finalists will be Barnstaple 3rds, Exeter Engineers who will be taking on either Devonport Services 3rds or University of Plymouth 3rds. The winner of the Bucc’s league will take on the runner up of the Plymouth Combination Merit Table at home and vica versa for the other semi-final. Therefore it is vital that the Bucc’s can win the Devon Merit Table North East for the home tie especially as the final is at Barnstaple Rugby Club.

The Semi’s will be played on April 20th with the Final at Pottington Road on the 27th. Exciting times.

Colts. 

The Colts faced a tough challenge against Ivybridge last weekend, a team many consider the best in the county, and will take valuable lessons from the experience as they prepare for the Devon Colts Cup quarter-final match. This weekend presents a fresh opportunity for the Colts to showcase their resilience and team spirit as they travel to Ivybridge. Let’s rally behind them as they gear up for a strong comeback!

Here then is the Colts teams for this Saturday.

Barnstaple Boys Secondary Modern School Reunion: A Tradition of Memories and Connections – June 1st 2024

Former students of the Barnstaple Boys Secondary Modern School are eagerly preparing for their much-anticipated annual reunion. What began as a casual gathering among friends nearly 26 years ago and has evolved into a celebrated tradition, drawing in alumni from far and wide.

The inception of these reunions dates back to 1998, when local painter and decorator Gerald Thorne, along with a handful of schoolmates, convened at the Wrey Arms in Barnstaple. Fuelled by nostalgia and a shared sense of camaraderie, they embarked on the ambitious task of organizing a reunion to reconnect with old friends and relive their school days.

From its modest beginnings, the reunion has grown exponentially, now attracting a large number of former students each year. Last year, after years of dedicated service, Gerald handed over the reins to Paul Harris, who now leads the organizing committee alongside Derek Parnell and Tony Freeman. Together, they are working to ensure that this year’s event, scheduled for at Barnstaple Rugby Club, is nothing short of memorable.

Despite the inevitable passage of time, the spirit of friendship and the bonds formed at Barnstaple Boys Secondary Modern School remain as strong as ever. For those who proudly wore the school’s green and black tie, the upcoming reunion promises to be a nostalgic journey back to the halcyon days of youth, while also being a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the enduring legacy of their time there..

For those who wish to attend, you can contact Tony Freeman at freeman.pa@icloud.com or call 01271 850255. The event kicks off at 7:00 PM at the Barnstaple Rugby Club, entry is £5 with all proceeds from the reunion going to support Barnstaple Rugby Club

Spread the word to fellow alumni and let’s hope to see some familiar faces again!

That’s another weekend done and dusted and some really exciting finishes to look forward to over the coming few weekends. Next weekend is the Chiefs final home game of the league against St. Austell and it would be great to have another full house to finish in style. Don’t forget there is still one more home game to come for the Chiefs in the Papa Johns Community Cup on 13th April against Launceston as well, kick off time is still to be announced but a sits April it will be either 2.30 or 3pm I will let you know in good time.

Athletic travel to Old Plymothian & Mannamedian before returning to Pottington Road on 6th April for their final game against Plymouth Argaum kick off is 2.30pm for that one and if they win all three it’s the title and promotion. The Bucc’s travel to Crediton for their final game of the season hoping that Exeter Engineers lose a point or two in their challenge.

Good luck to all our teams this weekend and lets make it a grand slam just to see out the cold winter months as we await spring time here in North Devon.