Introduction: A Season to Remember – Cup Updates and Historic Milestones
Good evening, everyone! I hope you’ve all been enjoying a well-deserved Easter break with family and friends. As promised, it’s time for a comprehensive Cup update, and with all four of our teams competing for major trophies in the coming weeks, there’s plenty to discuss. To keep things clear, I’ll walk you through the key dates and fixtures in chronological order so you know exactly when and where to show your support.
But before we dive into the upcoming matches, let’s take a moment to reflect on what has already been an extraordinary season for Barnstaple Rugby—one that will be remembered for years to come.
The Chiefs
The Chiefs have set the standard, completing a magnificent double by securing both the Devon Cup and the Regional 1 South West title, earning promotion to National 2 West next season. Now, they have their sights set on yet another triumph as they prepare for the Papa Johns Community Cup.
Athletic
In their debut season in Counties 1 Western West, have defied expectations with a sensational third-place finish. Adding to their achievements, they battled their way to the Devon 2nd XV Cup Final, proving themselves as serious contenders.
The Buccaneers
The Bucc’s just missed out on top spot in the Merit Table, edged by Crediton 3rd XV by just two points. But revenge could be sweet—they’ll have the chance to settle the score when the two sides meet in the highly anticipated Dave Butt Final.
The Colts
And finally, but certainly not least, our Colts have showcased the bright future of Barnstaple Rugby. After topping their qualifying table and securing a thrilling semi-final victory, they’ve earned their place in the Devon Colts Cup Final, where they’ll face Newton Abbot Colts at Plymouth Albion.
Yet, the successes of this season extend beyond the pitch. Last weekend marked a historic milestone for our club with the official opening of the New Pavilion changing rooms—a transformative project that will benefit players, supporters, and the entire Barnstaple Rugby community for generations to come. To give you a deeper insight into what this means for the club and how the grand opening unfolded, I’ll now hand you over to the ever-passionate and enigmatic Barnstaple Rugby Club Secretary, John “Spike” Sloley, who has shared his thoughts on this landmark occasion.
So, without further ado—let’s get into the details of what promises to be an unforgettable climax to the season!
Barnstaple RFC Unveils New Girls’ Changing Facilities in Transformation of Historic Cricket Pavilion
So what do you do with an old rat infested, dilapidated cricket pavilion? The answer is simple, especially when a really important requirement is identified……….you build bespoke Girls Changing facilities to help progress the development of girls rugby which was being driven by the strategic vision Jay Carr. His dedication and inspirational leadership in developing Girls rugby within the Club is nothing short of outstanding and deserved all the support the Club could muster.
David Northridge, the Club’s Commercial lead grasped the project and sought the support of his wife, Joanne. She produced an excellent Grant Application Proposal. The document included plans drawn up by joint 1st Team Manager Darrel Gill (RGP Architects Ltd) who provided a vision of what the future would look like.
Generous grants from the North Devon Council and the Keith Abraham Charitable Trust followed and enabled work to commence. Barnstaple RFC Director of Age Grade rugby (and professional builder) Jez Chugg oversaw the project from start to finish and was instrumental in ensuring successful and timely completion. Special thanks must go to our dedicated band of loyal Tuesday Volunteers, spurred on by Head Groundman Lee Beer, who did so much to assist in the project – the “hard yards” they covered provided crucial and direct saving to the overall project costs.
In addition, thanks must also go to local businesses like Jewson, RGB and Howdens (and many, many more) who provided so much material support.
Following some very uplifting word from Club Chairman, Paul Shaddick, the new Pavilion was opened by the Barnstaple Mayor Janet Coats and Mayor’s Consort Gwen Thomas in the presence of invited guests.
After the formal opening, guests were provided with a sumptuous buffet and were treated to a thrilling demonstration of rugby by the Barnstaple RFC U12 Girls. It was very fitting that this cadre were the first to use the changing facilities because, after all, it was them that drove the initial requirement.
John Sloley
Barnstaple RFC Secretary
www.barnstaplerugby.co.uk
Now to the weeks ahead and what we can expect from Barnstaple Rugby
- Saturday April 26th – Barnstaple Chiefs v Brixham at Brixham 3pm Papa Johns Community Cup Quarter Final 1st leg
- Barnstaple Athletic v Topsham 2ndXV at Topsham ko TBC Devon 2ndXV Cup Final
- Sunday April 27th – Barnstaple Colts v Newton Abbot Colts at Plymouth Albion 3pm Ashburton Motor Works Devon Colt Cup Final
- Saturday May 3rd Barnstaple Chiefs v Brixham at Pottington Road 3pm Papa Johns Community Cup Quarter Final 2nd leg
- Barnstaple Buccaneers v Crediton 3rdXV at Crediton 3pm Dave Butt Trophy.
- Saturday May 10th Papa Johns Community Cup Semi-Final Winner of Barnstaple Chiefs v Brixham will have home advantage
- Saturday May 17th Papa Johns Community Cup Final at Twickenham.
- Sunday May 18th – SUMMER HOLIDAYS FOR ALL
So there you have it Folks the countdown to what might just be Barnstaple Rugby’s most successful season ever. Remeber, wherever you’re watching your rugby over the coming weeks, enjoy the action, stay loud, and keep supporting the mighty Barum!
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