Good evening, everyone! Can you believe it? We’re already in August, and that means we’re just one month away from the thrilling start of the new season, as we gear up for what promises to be an incredible journey ahead. The AGM was on 11th July this year and if you was unable to make it, you can download a copy of the minutes by cclicking the following lonk AGM 2024
With the pre-season fixtures just around the corner, there’s so much to look forward to, and we’ll be diving into all the details later in this blog. The energy during our training sessions has been fantastic, with a great turnout every Tuesday and Thursday evening. It’s clear that the Barnstaple squad is dedicated and ready to give their all this season.
So, let’s get ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. Together, we’re poised for a season filled with unforgettable moments and fierce competition. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we prepare to kick off!
We begin though with the sad news as we announce the passing of Michael Oerton, a beloved former Club President and Life Member, who died on Tuesday, July 30, at Park Lane Nursing Home.
Michael was a highly respected solicitor in the town and a dedicated supporter of our club for many decades. His involvement with the club began in the 1970s when he played as a second-row forward, showcasing his passion for rugby on the field. His commitment to the club extended far beyond his playing days, as he continued to contribute significantly to its growth and success.
In 1997, Michael’s dedication and leadership were recognized when he was elected as Club President, a role he fulfilled with distinction. His unwavering support and invaluable contributions to the club, particularly in managing our legal affairs for many years, earned him the prestigious honour of Life Membership.
Michael’s legal expertise was instrumental in guiding the club through various challenges and opportunities, ensuring its continued success and stability. His wisdom and counsel were highly valued by club members and officials alike.
In recent years, Michael faced health challenges, and was cared for by his devoted wife and family until his admission to the nursing home. Throughout this difficult period, he remained in the thoughts of many club members who remembered his significant impact on the organization.
The club extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family during this difficult time. His legacy as a player, president, and dedicated supporter will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
The funeral service to celebrate Michael’s life and contributions will be held on Friday, August 16, at 2:00 PM at Pilton Church.
Michael Oerton’s passing marks the end of an era for our club, but his memory and the positive impact he had will continue to inspire future generations of rugby players and supporters.
BARNSTAPLE CHIEFS
As we enter August, the excitement for the pre-season fixtures is building up. The Chiefs have an exciting line-up of matches to prepare for the upcoming season. Here’s a look at their pre-season schedule:
The Chiefs play Devonport Services at home on the 17th and Camberley, who will be playing regional 1 South Central this coming season, the following week 24th August. Both games are at Pottington Road kick off is 2.30pm for both. Then it’s a trip to Hornets who are playing another season in National League 2 West on the 31st August. These matches will provide valuable opportunities for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion before the regular season kicks off. It will also give the Barum Faithful a chance to see for the first time the new faces joining us this season.
Then begins the season in earnest with two games on the road with visits to St. Austell on September 7th and then the very difficult game at Brixham, September 14th. Two wins from these first two games would be a brilliant start to chasing that championship dream this season.
The Chiefs first home game will be a cracker as they welcome Chew Valley to Pottington Road on 21st September, kick off for that one is 2.30pm.
As the team prepares for these challenges, they’ll be led by their newly appointed captain, Jordan Petherbridge (JP). His experience and enthusiasm make him an excellent choice to guide the Chiefs in their pursuit of the title and of course promotion to National 2, this season. With Petherbridge at the helm, the team is poised to make a strong start and set the tone for a successful campaign.
BARNSTAPLE ATHLETIC
As we approach the new season, it’s crucial to rally behind Barnstaple Athletic as they embark on what promises to be an extraordinary journey. Their pre-season kicks off with an away game against Tiverton on August 22nd, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign ahead. Following this, they will host two home games at Pottington Road: first against Pirates Amateurs on September 7th, and then against Tavistock, rekindling a rivalry from two seasons ago.
This season is particularly special as Athletic competes at the highest level in their history, facing off against first teams across the board, with the sole exception of Redruth 2nd XV. The challenges are immense, but so are the potential rewards. The support of the Barum Faithful will be more important than ever, as Athletic take on quality opposition.
Your presence and enthusiasm can make a significant difference. By cheering from the stands, you provide the team with the energy and motivation needed to tackle these formidable opponents. Let’s come together to support Barnstaple Athletic and make this season one for the history books!
Final Thoughts
What truly sets Barnstaple Rugby Club apart is its unwavering commitment to excellence, making it a standout among clubs. Our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our success, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. Just look at the main pitch—it’s a testament to the hard work of Lee Beer and his team, who have transformed it through meticulous reseeding and maintenance. I visited the ground earlier this week, and the pitch looks absolutely stunning, ready to welcome the new season.
Behind the scenes, our maintenance team is tirelessly preparing every aspect of the club to ensure we’re in top shape for the upcoming season. The players, along with the team manager and coaches, are putting in serious effort to get the squad match-fit, embracing the expectations that come with it.
Our Colts are equally dedicated, and it’s important to highlight that the majority of our team is homegrown talent. A shining example of this is the Papa Johns cup final at Twickenham, where at least 17 of the 22 players hailed from Barnstaple Juniors and Colts, including our head coach, Winston James. This year, our juniors are overflowing with eager young athletes ready to learn and play high-quality rugby. Lewis Joce, the Colts head coach, is excited to kick off another season with a fresh intake of talent.
The daily operations of the club are equally impressive, from the bar and catering to the administrative tasks, memberships, and commercial initiatives that keep us thriving throughout the year. If you would like to help out with volunteering with us then please email the club at info.barnstaplerugby@gmail.com
We want to also extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and partners for their incredible support. The commitment from over 80 local businesses across North Devon truly humbles us. Your contributions play a vital role in the success of Barnstaple Rugby Club, allowing us to thrive and grow. We encourage even more businesses to join our community of supporters. Together, we can strengthen our club and enhance the experience for our players and fans alike. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Finally let’s not forget our incredible supporters—the best in the country! The sea of red and white at Twickenham was a sight to behold, and the atmosphere we created was electric. Our fans are always the 16th man on the field, and that’s what makes Barnstaple Rugby Club truly special and I believe on just another level to those around us, will that transform into a winning season, well it did on so many levels last season and I’m confident it will again this time around. I look forward to seeing everyone later this month as we dive into pre-season preparations, but for now enjoy the rest of the weekend and don’t forget your memberships if you haven’t sorter it already just click the following link 2024/25 membership
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