Good evening everyone and welcome to the blog and as this will be a much shorter blog than usual, yes I feel for you I really do, as I have no games to natter on about just what is happening this Saturday.
It was a shame that the weather spoiled what was going to be a thriller of a game last weekend but we are pleased to announce that the postponed match between Barnstaple Chiefs and Launceston will take place on January 25th here at Pottington Road with a kick off time of 2pm.
As for this weekend a huge thanks goes to our dedicated band of Tuesday volunteers who have been busy clearing up after the weekend gales. Luckily not much significant structural damage was caused apart from the main grandstand, which was directly exposed to the oncoming wind.
However, our long standing supporter M&E Alarms came to our rescue and replaced the guttering that had been ripped off so that we were fully operational for this coming Saturday’s fixture with Brixham.
Huge thanks are due to our fabulous volunteers and to Scott Masters and his magnificent team at M&E ALARMS.
As we countdown to Christmas, excitement is building with just 11 days to go! Here are some thrilling events you won’t want to miss:
Festive Rugby Fun
In December, get ready for the Christmas rugby festivities!
Join us for a special members’ Christmas lunch on December 21st, priced at only £20 per person.
Guests accompanying you to the meal will enjoy free entry to the exciting match where Barnstaple Athletic takes on Wiveliscombe in a fierce battle of 4th vs. 5th place in the league.
Enjoy a delightful three-course Christmas meal while watching what promises to be a fantastic game!
To book your place email bookings.barnstaplerugby@gmail.com
Boxing Day Derby
The holiday spirit continues with the highly anticipated Boxing Day Derbies!
The main event features the Barnstaple Chiefs facing off against the Bideford Chiefs at Pottington Road, kicking off at 2 PM. with the Colts taking the field at the earlier time of 12 noon. Entry is £5 for all with under 18’s free.
Earlier in the day, Barnstaple Athletic will be playing away at King George’s Field at 11 AM,
Expect a lively atmosphere and a large crowd as everyone comes together for this thrilling day of rugby! With such exciting events lined up, there’s no better time to join in on the festive fun!
Barnstaple Chiefs
Let’s raise a toast to the Barnstaple Chiefs, the shining stars of rugby this November!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Chiefs for being named the RFU’s Men’s Level 5 Team of the Month! This prestigious recognition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional performance on the field during November.
The Chiefs have showcased their incredible talent and teamwork, delivering thrilling displays that have captivated fans and opponents alike.
As Director of Rugby Phil Gordon-Oke said:
Our systems are clicking into place, and squad morale is incredibly high. A highlight of the month was the away game against Matson—a tough fixture against a club known for their physicality, especially with their heavy recruitment in the forward pack this season. We stood up to the challenge and let our rugby do the talking. We are very much looking forward to what the rest of the season brings us. It’s a privilege to be part of such a positive environment. The commitment and camaraderie within this group of players and support staff make it a joy to be involved.
This highlights their relentless spirit and skill, propelling them closer to the top of the league standings. So here’s to the Barnstaple Chiefs—may this recognition inspire even greater heights as they forge ahead in their season! Cheers to many more victories and unforgettable moments on the pitch!
This Saturday we have a massive game for you as Barnstaple welcomes our friends from South Devon, Brixham, who are currently in 3rd place just 5 points behind 2nd placed Barnstaple Chiefs in the league and in what will be a thunderous game. This match is pivotal in the exciting Regional 1 South West league, and the Chiefs last home game until they meet the current leaders Exmouth on January 4th 2025.
Brixham’s 2024 season has been a tale of improvement after a challenging start as they faced early setbacks with two away losses against Launceston and St. Austell, as well as a draw at home with our very own visiting Chiefs in their first three games of the season. These results marked a shaky beginning to their campaign
However, Brixham quickly turned their season around as they have since embarked on an impressive seven-game winning streak leading up to their most recent match at Sidmouth which they won 15-20. This streak also included a notable victory over Exmouth, handing them their only loss of the season when they visited Brixham.
With just five points separating these two teams this is very much a clash of titans, the heavyweight contest of the year with both teams on impressive winning streaks, somethings gotta give as neither will want to give up those streaks. With this season also coinciding with Brixham RFC’s 150th anniversary, they would dearly love to get one over the Chiefs and will be well up for this game today.
As the Chiefs prepare for their battle they fully know that a win today will put a massive amount of pressure on Exmouth and matches between Barnstaple and Brixham are always hard-fought and thrilling encounters that promise lots of excitement. The added bonus of being so close in the league and the rewards that victory will give them, this match may just prove to be an absolute classic.
With just two changes to the team that was supposed to play last weekend with Ashlee Crouch and George Snell starting, here is your Chiefs team to take on Brixham
Barnstaple Athletic
Coming into today’s fixture in fourth place, confidence is currently high in the Tic’s camp with both performances and results showing everyone they are a force to be reckoned with.
Today Athletic make their journey to Tavistock who they have had several encounters with winning both the home matches and losing in the 2022/23 season to the only time they travelled to Tavistock. This game however has added impetus as a win on the road here could help to solidify their newly found 4th place in the league following Wiveliscombe’s defeat at Redruth. Tavistock are currently in 11th place with just two wins under their belts, both at home, against Bideford and Penryn.
While Athletic might enter this fixture as favorites based on recent results, Tavistock will have home advantage which could level the playing field and the test for the Tic’s is overcoming that home advantage, they have been close against some of the top teams so far this season, let’s see if they can make it stick on Saturday and ensure the win. This will be a fascinating contest with potential for Athletic to cement that fourth place before Wiveliscombe visit on December 21st.
With Captain Scott Incledon starting after a long time out and the return of Alex Hookway here is the Athletic team travelling to Tavistock
Buccaneers: A Quest for Redemption
After a tough defeat against Crediton 3rd XV, the Buccaneers have slipped to third place, now trailing by a daunting 10 points. This setback has ignited a fire within the team as they embark on a mission to reclaim their spot in the standings.
Their journey begins today with a pivotal away game against Torrington. This clash is not just another match; it’s an opportunity for the Buccaneers to reset and reignite their winning ways! The players are determined to turn the tide and showcase their resilience on the field.
Colts: Kicking Off Phase 2 with a Bang
For the Colts, today marks the thrilling start of Phase 2 in the Ashburton Motor Works Devon Colts merit table. They are set to face off against Ivybridge Colts in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. Fans will remember that earlier this season, Barnstaple Colts narrowly lost in a heart-wrenching finish when these teams last met at Pottington Road. Now, with newfound confidence from recent victories, the Colts are eager to exact revenge and secure their first win in this phase of the competition. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is building!
Next weekend is the final competitive fixture at Pottington Road for 2024 which features Barnstaple Athletic against Wiveliscombe, 4th v 5th in Counties 1 Western West. This will be a big game for both clubs and one that if Athletic win will hopefully take them into 2025 in very good shape indeed.
The Bucc’s are also at home to take on Topsham 3rd XV whilst the Chiefs are on the road at Chew Valley and the Colts travel to Crediton.
That’s me all done and dusted for another weekend. Only 11 days until Christmas, can you believe it, and we have a full program of rugby for you next weekend. so until then gear up, rugby fans—let’s rally together for another weekend of exhilarating matches! COME ON YOU MIGHTY BARUM! Let’s aim for four wins to kick off this festive season in style!
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