Good evening, everyone! Welcome back to the Mighty Barum blog! Did you miss me? I doubt it, but let’s put my ego aside for now and dive into the exciting rugby news you’re really here for!
So let’s talk rugby! The Barnstaple Chiefs are gearing up to face off against Ivybridge in another thrilling Regional 1 South West league match here at Pottington Road. Kickoff is at 2:30 PM, so don’t miss it! Meanwhile, Athletic is hitting the road to keep their winning streak alive against Kingsbridge. The Buccaneers will be welcoming South Molton 2nd XV at home, and our Colts are set to take on Exeter Saracens away.
Tonight marks Barnstaple Rugby’s first-ever Oktoberfest, and we’re ready to celebrate in style with beer, food, and live music! If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, what are you waiting for? Get in on the fun! And book them here Oktoberfest 24 or see John Sloley on the day.
Just to cheer you up did you know there are only 74 days until Christmas! Well, mark your calendars for our members’ Christmas lunch on December 21st, coinciding with the Barnstaple Athletic vs. Wiveliscombe Counties 1 league game. It promises to be a match you won’t want to miss! More details will follow as our committees finalise plans.
And don’t forget about the annual Barnstaple and District Fireworks Night on Sunday, November 3rd! Gates open at 5:30 PM, with the spectacular display starting at 7 PM. It’s always an electrifying evening filled with excitement! Early Bird tickets are just £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for children, and an unbeatable family ticket for two adults and two kids is only £20—that’s just a fiver each! So grab your early bird tickets here. Barnstaple Round Table online ticket sales powered by TicketSource
Finbally just to round things off Boxing is back at Barnstaple Rugby as Barnstaple Amateur Boxing Club presents Barnstaple Boxing on Saturday 23rd November. Doors open 7pm and ticket prices are Adults £15 Under 16’s £5
Not a great day at Exmouth a fortnight ago as the Chiefs, from what I understand, disappointedly underperformed. Exmouth scored first after 15 minutes from ex Barnstaple second rower Oli (the stag) Mason, which barnstaple almost immediately returned the favour with a converted Conar Swan try just a couple of minutes later. However it was Exmouth who went in at half time the happier having regained the lead 14-7.
The second half was a happier place for Exmouth than the Chiefs as by the 20 minute mark they had extended their lead to 24-12 with Cameron Grizzle-Johnson scoring. Another try extended the home side’s advantage to 29-12 but the Chiefs were not done yet as Johny Carter and Viliame Kotobalavu in the last 5 minutes of the match at least secured a bonus point.
While the result was disappointing for the Chiefs, it is worth noting that Exmouth has shown impressive form this season, winning all four of their matches and amassing maximum points. This includes a notable victory at Launceston, positioning them as the team to beat early in the season. The question remains whether Exmouth can maintain this momentum throughout the campaign
This Saturday, the Chiefs will host Ivybridge at Pottington Road, and a crucial victory is essential for reigniting their campaign. Ivybridge has struggled significantly this season, managing only one win—a narrow home victory against Sidmouth—which has left them languishing in the bottom three of the league standings. Their recent performances have been particularly concerning, with heavy defeats in their last two matches: a staggering 78-8 loss to Royal Wootton Bassett and a 49-15 defeat at home to Launceston.
The current form of Ivybridge raises questions about their competitiveness; however, it is clear that the Chiefs must secure all five points from this encounter. A win would not only boost their morale but also provide a much-needed lift in the league table. The outcome of this match will be pivotal for both teams as they strive to improve their standings in the league.
There are several changes to the team that went to Exmouth with a welcome return to Jake Patrick in the second row, a first start with the Chiefs for Tom Swales at 10, Bertie Stretch starts at hooker and Brandon moore returns to the No. 8 slot. Here then is your Chiefs squad to face Ivybridge.
Barnstaple Athletic v St. Ives (sw) photos by Bob Collins
Athletic put forth a commanding performance against St Ives (SW) at Pottington Road, building on their momentum from a solid win at Wiveliscombe the previous week. Eager to secure their third consecutive victory, Barnstaple started strong, taking control of the game early. In just the first ten minutes, they scored when Bertie Stretch’s kick was collected by Callum Morgan. Morgan’s offload in the tackle released Haydn Gosling, who sprinted through for a try under the posts.
The first quarter saw a lull in pace as St Ives mounted several attacks, yet they struggled to penetrate the resilient Tic’s defence, which effectively kept them out of the 22. St Ives did manage to score a penalty after sustained pressure, but Barnstaple quickly regained dominance. In a devastating ten-minute stretch before halftime, Athletic scored three tries, effectively sealing the game. Ollie James nearly reached the line but was tackled just short; however, he managed to offload to Euan Kent for his first try. Haydn Gosling then showcased his skill with a brilliant solo effort, collecting his own grubber kick and outpacing defenders for his second try. Finally, Bertie Stretch scored his first try in Barnstaple colours as the forwards powered through St Ives’ ranks in a well-executed maul. This flurry of scoring left the halftime score at 24-3.
As the second half commenced, it became increasingly clear that Barnstaple had established superiority in set pieces, particularly in scrums. They pressured St Ives right from the start, earning multiple penalties and nearly scoring again—only a knock-on halted their momentum. However, Athletic’s relentless pursuit paid off when they disrupted St Ives’ scrum on their five-metre line, winning the ball against the head and allowing Joe Messenger to score just five minutes into the half.
Barnstaple continued to apply pressure with another drive following a well-placed kick to the corner. After turning over possession inside St Ives’ 22, Messenger scored his second try off the back of a scrum. By this point, Athletic was dominating and scoring at will. Additional tries from Callum Morgan, Ben Beattie, Harvey Rostock, and another from Bertie Stretch culminated in an impressive 56-3 victory.
A fairly dominant display from Athletic with some very good flowing rugby and a very enjoyable game to watch. The first half the Tic’s just got stronger as the half went on, totally dominating the last 10 minutes and after having made some great solid defensive play in the middle of the half. This match not only highlighted Athletic’s offensive prowess but also showcased their defensive strength and set-piece dominance. Their ability to capitalise on opportunities and maintain pressure throughout the game underscores their potential in their league this season.
Today, Barnstaple Athletic travels to Kingsbridge for a crucial match that could significantly impact the standings in their league. Currently sitting in fourth place, Barnstaple has only a two-point lead over sixth-placed Kingsbridge, making this encounter vital for both teams.
Kingsbridge has demonstrated formidable strength on their home turf, having secured victories against notable opponents such as Redruth’s second team and Penryn. Their recent performances suggest they are not only competitive but also capable of posing a significant challenge to Athletic. The match promises to be a rigorous test for Barnstaple, who will need to bring their best game to contend with Kingsbridge’s home advantage and recent form.
As both teams vie for crucial points, Athletic can expect an intense battle on the field, with both sides eager to assert their dominance and improve their positions in the league standings.
There are several changes to Athletic this weekend with the return of Josh Hill, Charlie Banefield, ryan Lee and Ross Swales. Here then is the Tic’s travelling to Kingsbridge
The Buccaneers continue to make massive strides in the Devon Merit table NE1 with another impressive win on their visit to Exmouth , beating the nomads 0-53, their second shut out of the season after just three games. Last weekend though was a much tougher encounter as under the floodlights on a Friday night, they travelled to Tiverton and despite the home sides best efforts the Bucc’s managed to scrape the win 5-10 to keep them in top spot in the Devon Merit table.
The Bucc’s were due to welcome South Molton 2nd XV to Pottington Road today, unfortunately that game has been cancelled.
As for the Colts, it was heartbreak as with the last kick off the game Ivybridge Colts won an intense and even game by just three points. Going into the final minute the sides were tied 14-14, but a penalty right at the end gave the visitors the slimmest of chances to secure the win and they certainly obliged, winning the game 14-17.
Given however that last season Ivybridge Colts ran riot over Barnstaple, I would say this was a very impressive performance which almost got its rewards. This early in the season there is still plenty to learn and I’m sure the Colts will keep on improving and will get their revenge later.
This weekend they travel to Exeter Saracens to put those memories to rest with hopefully a good win on the road.
Here then is the Colts team for that game.
Well, that wraps up another enjoyable weekend or hopefully it will and we have a Barum triple crown of victories to shout about.
Next weekend Athletic return to Pottington Road with a massive game as the welcome 2nd placed Paignton, one of only 2 teams unbeaten in the league with maxmum points. This could be a hugely entertaining game of rugby as Athletic go head to hed against one of the favourites for the title.
The Chiefs visit Marlborough in a big game themselves as the home side is just one place and 1 point behind the Chiefs. A win here is going to be crucial.
The Colts travel to Crediton whilst the Buccs have a week off.
Before I take my leave, allow me to raise a grand toast to a remarkable figure among us, the illustrious groundsman and sovereign of the Pride, Tim Hickman! This weekend marks the celebration of his magnificent 60th birthday. While the actual day of festivity falls on Thursday, the 17th, who could resist seizing any opportunity to revel in such a splendid milestone? Let the celebrations commence!
See you all at the bar
Recent Comments