Evening, everyone! Strap in, because you’re about to dive into the latest blog post, and let me tell you—this weekend is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster as we head into the final four matches of the regular season. The stakes? Sky-high. The drama? Unmissable. And the action? Well, it’s going to be nothing short of electrifying!
Let’s start with the Chiefs and Athletic, both of whom are still very much in the hunt for their respective league titles after securing crucial wins two weeks ago. This Saturday, Athletic will be defending their home turf as they face off against Redruth II in what promises to be a nail-biting clash. They’ll need to bag all five points to keep the heat on the league leaders, Pirates Amateurs. Can they rise to the occasion and keep their title dreams alive? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are hitting the road, heading to Sidmouth—a team that could very well be their opponents in the Devon Senior Cup final later this season. But before they even think about that, they’ve got a job to do: securing five points to keep the pressure on Brixham, who are clinging to the top of the league by just a single point. Every pass, every tackle, every moment will count. This is rugby at its most intense!
And let’s not forget the Buccaneers, who are gearing up for what could be their biggest game of the season. They’ll be hosting Crediton III, the current leaders of the Merit table. Trailing by 11 points but with a game in hand, the Buccs know that a win here could flip the script entirely, heaping all the pressure onto Crediton’s shoulders. Will they seize the moment and keep their title hopes alive? This is must-watch rugby, folks!
Last but certainly not least, the Colts are riding a wave of momentum as they head to Ivybridge for what promises to be a massive showdown. Can they keep their winning streak alive and finish the season on a high? The excitement is palpable!
Before we get into all the on-field action, let’s take a quick moment for some important announcements. Next Saturday is Ladies Day at Barnstaple Rugby, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable event! With just one table of 10 left, tickets are flying off the shelves. If you’re looking for a fantastic day of rugby, with a delicious meal and live entertainment in the evening featuring the incredible Barely Legal, then this is your chance to join the fun. Check out the poster for all the details—you won’t want to miss it!
And for all you rugby fanatics, mark your calendars because the Six Nations is back next weekend! On Sunday, England will be taking on Italy at Twickenham, but the real headline act is the colossal clash between Ireland and France on Saturday at 2:15 PM. Expect fireworks, drama, and some of the best rugby the Northern Hemisphere has to offer!
Finally, circle March 15th in bold—it’s the Devon Senior Cup Final, and it’s going to be a spectacle. Kick-off is at 2pm, and entry is £10 for everyone (except U18s, who get in free). Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the thrill of live sport, this is one event you’ll want to be part of.
So, there you have it—a weekend packed with edge-of-your-seat action, high-stakes drama, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following along from home, one thing’s for sure: rugby is about to deliver something truly special this weekend.
Barnstaple Chiefs v matson photos
Chiefs Edge Tense Victory to Stay in Title Hunt as Sidmouth Clash Looms
So we begin then with the Chiefs visit to Sidmouth, where every point is going to count with just a single point separating the Chiefs and the title. Following their tough match against Matson where if we are honest the Chiefs did not play well, especially in the first half where the pressure the Chiefs attacking play had earned them numerous penalties from Matson’s ill-discipline, were wasted with poor lineouts that gave the visitors increasing confidence that they might get something out of the game. With just a solitary try from Brandon Moore converted by Tyler, one of three conversions on the day, the Chiefs went in at the break with a 7-0 lead.
The second half promised more and did deliver in fits and starts as the Chiefs pressed more and three tries from the forwards who worked really hard all game finally got their just desserts as Callum Davies and Brandon Moore for his second pushed the Chiefs to a very tense 19-12 lead with just 10 mins left on the clock, and whilst it did not look likely that Matson would score again, just a moment’s lapse in concentration and this result could have gone the other way. Finally with just a minute left, man of the match Ben Jago secured the bonus point and the 26-12 win that on the balance of play the Chiefs deserved.
But it shouldn’t have been so close, the numerous opportunities they had in that first half with so many lineouts and penalties in their favour the Chiefs should have been out of sight by half time. As it was, they scrapped and fought their way to the bonus point which still keeps them on Brixham’s coattails as we approach the final games of the regular season.
Which brings us nicely to this Saturday’s game as the Chiefs travel to potential Devon Senior Cup finalists Sidmouth, looking to secure another 5 points. Earlier this season the Chiefs had a massive win against Sidmouth at Pottington Road with a stomping 47-3 win. This did stop a three game winning streak for Sidmouth at the time as their confidence grew following a tough opening where they had lost their first 5 matches.
However, despite this loss at Pottington Road the confidence Sidmouth attained following that 3 win run has helped to shape the rest of the season for them with five further wins including doing the double over Launceston with their win a fortnight ago beating the Cornishman in their own backyard 19-41.
On home soil in particular they have not lost since the narrow defeat to Brixham at the end of November 15-20. This has placed Sidmouth in a comfortable 7th place in the league on equal points with both St. Austell and Royal Wootton Bassett and a win today could potentially catapult them into a top six position, not a bad return following promotion.
For the Chiefs, this weekend’s trip to Heydons Lane is about more than just securing another five points. It’s a chance to prove they can handle the pressure of a title race and deliver when it matters most. Sidmouth’s recent form and home advantage make them dangerous opponents, and the Chiefs will need to call on all their experience to come away with a win.
With the league title so close, Barnstaple cannot afford any slip-ups. A bonus-point victory would keep the heat on Brixham, but achieving that against a confident Sidmouth side will be no easy task.
As the regular season reaches its climax, the Chiefs must find their ruthless edge and the team for that will be missing captain Jordan Petherbridge who, as reported in the local press, will be serving a six week suspension which keeps him out of the side until the Papa John’s campaign in April. In comes Ben Beattie as his replacement is an very familiar looking Chiefs with both Ryan Smale and Haydn Gosling also returning to Chiefs duty from the bench.
Athletic Snatch Dramatic Victory to Keep Title Hopes Alive
It was a day of high drama and nail-biting tension as Barnstaple Athletic narrowly avoided a shock defeat against bottom-of-the-table Bideford, securing a last-gasp 14-12 victory to keep their promotion ambitions on track. The result, however, highlighted the dangers of complacency in a league where no game can be taken for granted.
Athletic found themselves staring down the barrel of an embarrassing upset as they trailed Bideford 12-7 with just minutes remaining. Despite a dominant 43-5 victory over the same opponents earlier in the season, Athletic struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Bideford side.
With a reshuffled squad featuring debutants Max Moore and George Tibbles—two rising stars from the Colts team—Athletic showed glimpses of promise. Moore, in particular, made an immediate impact, scoring the team’s first try of the day. However, the inclusion of new signings Elijah Brizendine, Blaine Quinlan, and Ben Raivalitia, who have recently joined Barnstaple Rugby, seemed to disrupt the team’s cohesion, leaving the door open for Bideford to capitalise.
As the clock ticked into the 80th minute, Bideford held a 12-7 lead, and an upset seemed inevitable. But Athletic dug deep, maintaining possession until the 83rd minute when Ryan Jago crossed the line for a crucial try. Harvey Rostock stepped up to slot the conversion, his second of the day, sealing a dramatic comeback and sparing Athletic’s blushes.
The hard-fought win propelled Athletic into second place in the league, but it was a missed opportunity to close the gap on leaders Pirates Amateurs, who secured a full five-point haul to extend their advantage to four points. Paignton, now third, remain firmly in the mix with a game in hand, leaving just six points separating the top three teams in a tightly contested title race.
Redruth 2nd XV Pose Tough Challenge
Attention now turns to today’s crucial home clash against Redruth 2nd XV, where Athletic will be desperate to secure another five-point victory. However, the visitors are no pushovers. Redruth were the last team to defeat Athletic, edging a thrilling encounter 26-21 in November thanks to a late penalty try. Since then, Redruth have been in impressive form, winning seven of their last nine games, with their only defeats coming against Pirates Amateurs and Paignton.
Notably, Redruth’s away form during this period has been less convincing, with their sole victory on the road coming in a narrow 10-19 win at Bideford. This will give Athletic hope as they look to extend their nine-game winning streak, which includes impressive victories over Paignton and Plymstock Oaks.
Today’s match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting for vital points in the race for the title. Athletic will need to bring their A-game to overcome a resilient Redruth side and keep their title dreams alive.
As the season reaches its climax, every point matters, and Athletic cannot afford any more slip-ups. With home advantage on their side, today’s clash at Pottington Road could prove decisive in shaping the final standings.
With a much more familiar looking Athletic they go into this match with the return of captain Scott Incledon, Euan Kent and another start for Elijah Brizendine
The Buccaneers Gear Up for a High-Stakes Showdown Against Crediton III
In what promises to be a thrilling clash of titans, the Barnstaple Buccaneers are set to host Crediton III this Saturday at Pottington Road in a match that could significantly reshape the merit table standings. With just 11 points separating the two teams and the Buccaneers holding a game in hand, the stakes couldn’t be higher as first place takes on second in a battle for supremacy.
The Buccaneers are riding high after a commanding performance last weekend against South Molton II. Despite a tense first half that ended in a 14-14 deadlock, the Buccs demonstrated their resilience and tactical prowess in the second half. Playing uphill, they seized control of the game, ultimately securing a bonus-point victory with a final score of 35-14. This win not only bolstered their position in the league but also sent a clear message to their rivals: the Buccaneers are a force to be reckoned with.
Adding to the excitement, the match also marked a milestone for several young talents from the senior Colts squad. Mark Phillips, Zach Adams, Max Moore, and Jamie Townsend made significant contributions to the third team’s success, with Phillips and Adams celebrating their senior debuts. Their standout performances have injected fresh energy into the squad, and their development bodes well for Barnstaple’ rugby’s future.
However, the road to victory this weekend won’t be easy. Earlier in the season, the Buccaneers narrowly lost to Crediton III in a hard-fought encounter that ended 28-22. That match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, and Saturday’s rematch is expected to be equally intense. With home advantage on their side, the Buccaneers are determined to avenge their earlier defeat and close the gap at the top of the table.
A win for the Buccs would reduce the deficit to just six points, putting immense pressure on Crediton III as the season progresses. The Buccaneers’ game in hand could prove to be a crucial factor in the title race, making this weekend’s clash a potential turning point in their campaign.
Barnstaple Colts: A Rising Force in Devon Rugby, Poised for Glory
The Barnstaple Colts have emerged as the team to watch this season, delivering a string of dominant performances that have sent shockwaves through the Ashburton Motor Works – Devon Colts Merit Table Cup competition. Since the turn of the year, the Colts have been in scintillating form, showcasing a blend of grit, skill, and determination that has left their rivals scrambling to keep up. With only one loss in Phase 2 of the tournament, coupled with four emphatic victories and two walkovers due to opponents failing to show up, Barnstaple have firmly established themselves as frontrunners for the coveted cup final.
This Saturday, the Colts face their next challenge as they travel to Ivybridge, a side known for their formidable home record. However, Barnstaple will carry with them the psychological advantage of their stunning 39-26 victory over Ivybridge in December—a result that ended a drought against their rivals and signaled a turning point in their season. That decisive win, achieved on home turf, was a statement of intent: the Colts are a force to be reckoned with.
Despite limited playing time in recent weeks, the Colts have maintained their edge, sharpening their focus and fine-tuning their game plan. Their relentless drive and hunger for success have become their trademark, and it’s this very tenacity that Ivybridge will struggle to counter.
The Colts’ journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. From their commanding performances to their ability to grind out results, they have proven time and again that they are a team on a mission.
For Ivybridge, the task is daunting. Facing a Barnstaple side brimming with confidence and momentum, they will need to produce something extraordinary to halt the Colts’ charge. But as the old adage goes, form is temporary, and class is permanent—and this Barnstaple Colts team is oozing both.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Barnstaple’s season. With the cup final within touching distance, the Colts are not just playing for victory; they’re playing to cement their legacy as one of the most exciting teams in Devon rugby. Saturday’s clash promises to be a spectacle, but one thing is certain: Barnstaple Colts are ready to rise to the occasion once again.
Well that’s anmother weekend in the bag and it really is shaping up to be an exciting run in to the end of the season. Next weekend it’s Ladies Day at Pottington Road with the Barum Ladies out in full force to watch The Chiefs take on 5th place Royal Wootton Bassett
Meanwhile, Athletic cross the border to Bude. The Bucc’s visit Honiton and he Colts take a road trip to Devonport.
Also a quick heads up as we now approach March with the season ending on the 5th April the very next weekend, 12th April, is the start of the Papa Johns Community Cup and Barnstaple Chiefs first game is at home against Launceston. kick off will be at the new time of 2.30pm further details will be forthcoming during the week as we start advertising the match.
For now, enjoy the rugby today, and don’t forget to bring those vocal cords ready for the mighty Barum Roar!
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