Evening folks and welcome to the start of what looks like a terrific season ahead as we competitive league rugby every week at Pottington Road with both the Chiefs and Athletic looking to have great seasons ahead of them. Pre-season went well despite both losing their final games against opposition that were placed a league higher in both games, but invaluable lessons were learnt going forward into the first game of the season.
Kicking off the 2024/25 season at Pottington Road this Saturday is Barnstaple Athletic in their first ever Counties 1 Tribute Western West game against last season’s fifth placed Pirates Amateurs, boy what a big match that will be. The Chiefs travel to St. Austell where they narrowly won a tight low scoring game 8-15 last season.
The Buccaneers have a friendly at home against a touring USA team, Raleigh to give them an exciting pre-season workout, whilst the Colts travel to Topsham for their first game.
Before we take a look at these upcoming games we have a few notices for you including some exciting job opportunities for the right people.
Firstly though Barnstaple Rugby would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Adam’s Plant for their excellent work in cutting back all the hedges and trees around the rugby club pitches. Your efforts have truly made a difference.
We would also like to extend a special acknowledgment to Neil Williams for dedicating his day to operate the machinery. Your commitment is greatly appreciated.
Thank you once again for your outstanding contributions!
CLUB BAR AND EVENTS MANAGER
For the first time in 30 years, an exciting opportunity has arisen at Barnstaple Rugby Club as we seek a committed, proactive, enthusiastic, and trustworthy person to take up the role of Club Bar and Events Manager, and in doing so, becoming a key part of this friendly but ambitious rugby club.
The successful person will have a proven track record within hospitality, ideally within a sports club environment, demonstrating the ability to organise events of all scales and ensuring that all events at the club, including match days, are successful in both enjoyment and financially.
You will act as an ambassador for the club, providing a visible presence, particularly during the rugby season, representing the club in a professional and friendly manner and developing the clubhouse as a venue where people want to come and spend their time.
For full details and to apply please click the following link Bar Manager
We also have opportunities for bar staff and cleaners
BAR STAFF WANTED
We are on the hunt for passionate, reliable and enthusiastic people to join our dynamic bank of bar staff to cover events, private hire and match days? Whether you’re looking to gain experience in the hospitality industry or simply want to work in a vibrant environment, we want to hear from you!
Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:
- Flexible Ad Hoc Hours:
- Training Provided: While experience is preferred, it’s not a deal-breaker
- Remuneration to be agreed
- Exciting Work Environment: From bustling match days to elegant private events, each shift brings new challenges and opportunities to shine.
Applicants must be 18 years or older to comply with licensing laws.
How to Apply:
Please send an expression of interest detailing any relevant skills/experience along with why your suited to the role to Jacqui Edwards at bookings@barnstaplerugby.com
CLEANING STAFF WANTED
The club is looking for a reliable person to undertake cleaning of the clubhouse on a casual ad-hoc basis to a high standard of cleanliness. The role will involve some unsociable hours working such as evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You will need to be able to work on your own initiative under direction. Job share would be considered.
Experience preferred but not essential – training will be provided.
Remuneration to be agreed
Must be aged 18+
How to Apply
Please send an expression of interest detailing any relevant skills/experience along with why your suited to the role to Jacqui Edwards:
OKTOBERFEST
There is some exciting news for Oktoberfest as the price is now just £10 for tickets. It takes place on October 12th and is sponsored by KINGSPAN LOGSTOR.
Join us for this unforgettable evening event which is ENTRANCE BY TICKET ONLY.
The festivities kick off at 7pm and the fun continues late into the night. Entry is only £10 to cover the cost of one of the very best Oktoberfest Bands available in the UK – The Die Heidleburger Boys.
German themed food will be available at extra cost on the night – this will be available up until 830pm. German Beer will be served and a limited amount of 2 Pint authentic Oktoberfest Steins will also be available on the night – they will have a £6 deposit which will be refunded unless you want to take them away with you.
Fancy Dress is strongly encouraged – dust off that Lederhosen!!
Please come and join us and support your Club at this inaugural Oktoberfest event which promises to be great fun with stacks of audience participation.
To book your ticket Just click the following link
OKTOBERFEST 24
So that’s the club news out of the way, now to what is happening on the pitch as finally the season gets underway. Last weekend both the Chiefs and Athletic went on the road to battle teams a league higher than themselves, to really push themselves before this weekend and boy were they tough encounters with both senior squads losing. There will be some much needed workouts for the coaches to fine tune their teams before the season gets underway and last weekend’s tests were what was needed to full realise the tasks ahead.
This weekend the Chiefs are set to embark on a pivotal away fixture this Saturday to open their account this season as they travel to face St. Austell in what promises to be a nail-biting season opener. With the memory of last season’s narrow 15-10 victory still fresh, the Chiefs are determined to make a stronger statement this time around.
This match carries significant weight for the Chiefs, serving as the first in a series of three challenging fixtures that could shape their title aspirations. Head coach Winston James knows only too well the importance of starting strong and a win this Saturday is absolutely crucial as It will set the tone for the Chiefs entire campaign.”
Following the St. Austell clash, the Chiefs face a daunting schedule:
Next weekend: Away match against Brixham
September 21st: Home game versus Chew Valley
Both Brixham and Chew Valley are considered prime contenders for the league title, making these early-season matchups even more critical.
The outcome of these initial three games could have far-reaching consequences for the Chiefs’ title hopes and the points they secure now could make all the difference come the end of the season.
As the Chiefs prepare to take the field at St. Austell, the pressure is on to not only secure a win but to do so convincingly. With the league’s top teams waiting in the wings, this opening fixture may well set the course as rugby fans across North Devon will be watching closely as the Chiefs aim to lay down an early marker in what promises to be a fiercely competitive title race.
It’s a first start for the Chiefs for new signings James Fraser and Callum Dovell in the pack with Haydn Gosling at Scrum half and Alex Macmillanis on the wing in this new look Chiefs side. Ashlee Crouch returns from his travels to return to the front row and Alex Penny partners Jake Murphy in the centre. Here then is your Chiefs to face St. Austell
In a highly anticipated season opener, Barnstaple Athletic is set to make its debut in Tier 7 rugby this Saturday, welcoming the Pirates Amateurs to Pottington Road. This match marks a significant milestone for both teams, as they face off for the first time in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
The Pirates Amateurs enter the fray with an impressive track record, having secured a commendable fifth-place finish in the previous season. With 12 victories under their belt, they’ve established themselves as a solid performer in the league. Their experience and proven success will undoubtedly pose a substantial challenge for the newly promoted Barnstaple Athletic.
Despite being newcomers to Tier 7, Barnstaple Athletic is far from unprepared. The team’s recent promotion comes on the heels of a strong finish last season, demonstrating their potential and readiness for higher-level competition. With minimal changes to their squad, Athletic boasts a well-established team chemistry that could prove crucial in their debut match.
The importance of home advantage cannot be overstated in this opening fixture. Barnstaple Athletic is calling on supporters to create a vibrant atmosphere at the ground. With entry priced at a mere £5 and free admission for members, the club is making every effort to ensure a packed stadium and a lively crowd to spur on the team.
This match is more than just a season opener; it’s a litmus test for Barnstaple Athletic’s readiness for Tier 7 rugby. If they can maintain the momentum from their previous season’s strong finish, the team could be poised for a surprising and successful campaign.
As the mighty Barum supporters eagerly anticipates this clash, all eyes will be on Barnstaple Athletic to see how they measure up against the established Pirates Amateurs. With the stage set for an exciting encounter, Saturday’s match promises to deliver high-quality rugby and potentially set the tone for the entire season ahead.
There are starts for new comers Jacob Mascall Kyle Bassettand Keyan McInerney, otherwise plenty of familiar Athletic faces to kick off the season with Ollie James leading them out today. Here is Atheltics team to take on Pirates Amateurs
The Colts were at home against Bude Colts and put in a very nice performance giving the fairly good crowd, a lot to admire and do look a very good outfit for this season, as many of the supporters alluded to. Theyhave the chance to express themselves further with their first competitive game at Topsham, always a difficult place to play at.
The Buccs season doesn’t get underway properly until next weekend however they do have a chance to shake off the rust with a very welcome visit from Raleigh RFC who hail from the USA and we are so very glad to welcome them to Barnstaple Rugby Club.
Well that’s it for the first weekend of the season, let’s see how many i get through before I crack haha. It really does feel like we are going to experience a very special season indeed and I for one am looking for =ward to every minute. Enjoy yoursleves today wherever you are watching your rugby and good luck to all the Barum lads playing today. Lets make it a triple and start the season off with a flyer.
Recent Comments