THe Mighty Barum Blog 27th September 2025

Welcome to a Special Mighty Barum Edition!

Hello and welcome, everyone, to a special one-off edition of your favourite rugby update! As many of you will know, the spirit of the Mighty Barum Blog now lives on within the official matchday programme. And while our beloved Chiefs and Athletic are on the road this weekend, we couldn’t let a Saturday pass without connecting with our fantastic supporters.

This weekend sets the stage for a crucial period in the season, with some seriously important fixtures on the horizon for all our teams. We’ve put this edition together to make sure you’re fully up to speed with all the club news and the battles being fought across the region.

On the Pitch This Weekend:

• Buccaneers: The Buccs are in action at home, hosting South Molton II at Pottington Road. The team will be eager to put in a strong performance and wipe away the memory of the result from a fortnight ago. Your vocal support on the sidelines will be a massive boost!
• But the action doesn’t stop there! As soon as the final whistle blows for the Buccs, we’re turning our attention to the MASSIVE Women’s Rugby World Cup Final! England vs. Canada kicks off IMMEDIATELY after. Let’s pack the clubhouse and roar on the Red Roses to World Cup glory!
• 1st XV (The Chiefs): Our Chiefs make the short but tough journey to Taunton for what promises to be a brutally physical and demanding contest. Matches between these two are always fiercely contested, and we have no doubt the lads will be giving their all to bring the points back to Pottington Road.
• Athletic: It’s a historic weekend for our Athletic side as they travel to Cullompton for their very first fixture in the Devon Intermediate Cup. We wish them the very best of luck as they embark on what we hope will be a long and successful cup run!

Our affiliation and strong link with Ruggerbees is something we are really excited about. Ruggerbees progressive and forward thinking programme for players of all ages, has had immense success in the London and Surrey area through the years and already here in North Devon.

We look forward to seeing Ruggerbees further advance our proud tradition of homegrown players at Barnstaple RFC, who go onto represent the clubs first team in National League Rugby. We hope to see many more make that transition with the strong link between Ruggerbees and our junior section.

So, settle in and enjoy this catch-up edition. Wherever you are supporting from this weekend, thank you for being the heart of Barnstaple Rugby Club.

Chiefs Weather the Storm to Deliver Thunderous Victory at Pottington Road

Barnstaple 40 – 17 Hornets

In a match defined as much by sheer grit as by sublime skill, Barnstaple Chiefs put on a magnificent, storm-conquering display to dismantle a valiant but outclassed Hornets side 40-17 last  weekend. The result was a fitting reward for the legion of dedicated home supporters who braved elements that turned ferocious in the second half, their unwavering cheers drowned out only by the storm that echoed the Chiefs’ powerful performance on the pitch.

From the first whistle, it was clear the Chiefs were not just prepared for a battle; they were intent on starting one. With the conditions in mind, the Barnstaple game plan was executed to perfection: a masterclass in forward dominance that left the Hornets scrambling from the outset.

The tone was set in devastating fashion within just two minutes. A monstrous driving maul from the pack, a sight that would become a familiar hallmark of the afternoon, laid the platform. Following a series of ruthless pick-and-go drives, the powerhouse Matt Gohl forced his way over the line for the opening score. Full back Henry Selleck added the extras, the first of four conversions, and the Chiefs were off and running.

Barnstaple’s supremacy in the pack was nothing short of emphatic. Shortly after, they shunted the Hornets pack backwards at a scrum, stealing one against the head in a demonstration of raw power. The ensuing play was a thing of beauty for the home faithful. From the hornets 22, the Chiefs launched another colossal maul, a relentless, red-and-white wave that marched irresistibly through the heart of the Hornets’ defence. It was Brandon Moore who eventually emerged from the heap of bodies to dot down, sending a clear message of intent across the field.

To their credit, the visitors briefly regrouped, capitalising on a rare foray into the Barnstaple 22 to peg the score back to 14-5 after 15 minutes. It was a brief respite in what was otherwise a first-half masterclass from the Chiefs.

As the half wore on, the pressure became incessant. The assured play of the Barnstaple backs, handling the slippery ball with impressive confidence, kept the Hornets pinned in their own territory. The pressure told as Brendan Darley crashed over for the first of his well-taken brace.

The Chiefs were hunting for the bonus point before the break and came agonisingly close on the half-hour mark. The moment of magic came from Selleck, who embarked on a stunning, mazy run down the left, slicing through multiple would-be tacklers before offloading to the supporting Connor Swan. The move was halted just short, but it exemplified the attacking flair Barnstaple possessed.

They would not be denied, however. In the final play of a breathless first half, the Chiefs returned to their bread and butter. Keeping the ball tight amongst the forwards, they battered the Hornets line once more until Darley plunged over for his second, giving the home side at the break a commanding and fully deserved 28-5 lead.

If the first half was a demonstration of flair and power, the second forty minutes at Pottington Road became a testament to the Barnstaple Chiefs’ sheer resilience and grit, as they not only battled a resurgent Hornets side but also a truly biblical downpour.

Emerging from the break with their 28-5 lead firmly intact, the Chiefs showed no signs of taking their foot off the gas. They picked up exactly where they left off, with the formidable forward pack once again laying the foundation. Another powerful maul rumbled ominously towards the Hornets line. This time, the ever-alert Brandon Moore expertly peeled away, drawing in the desperate defence before offloading to the waiting Ross Swales. The scrum half needed no second invitation, sprinting down the blindside for a clear and well-executed try.

It was at that moment of peak Barnstaple ascendancy that the heavens themselves seemed to object. A torrential downpour of staggering intensity engulfed Pottington Road, testing the resolve of players and supporters alike.

The deluge inevitably shifted the game’s momentum. The Hornets, to their credit, adapted quickly to the simplified, territory-based game the conditions now demanded. They began to monopolise possession, launching wave after wave of attacks on a Chiefs defence that was now forced to dig deeper than at any point in the match.

The immense pressure led to a challenging period for the home side, conceding two yellow cards in quick succession for technical offences as they strained to hold the line against the relentless onslaught. The numerical and territorial disadvantage finally told, as the visitors crossed twice to narrow the gap. With just five minutes remaining and their tails up, the Hornets scented an unlikely bonus point.

But the Chiefs had other ideas. As they delivered a stunning, immediate response. From the restart, they seized back control with a breathtaking display of power rugby. Securing the ball from the kick-off, they drove forward with immense purpose. From the resulting lineout, the pack assembled for one final, monumental drive. In a move that perfectly encapsulated their afternoon, the maul shunted its way from the 22-metre line, an unstoppable force of nature matching the ferocity of the storm overhead. When the drive was halted just short, it was Ben Jago who took responsibility, burrowing over from a pick-and-go to score the Chiefs’ sixth and final try, sealing the win in the most emphatic fashion imaginable.

This was another impressive and well-deserved win, built on a complete first-half domination and sealed with second-half heart. While the weather offered Hornets a route back into the contest, it was the awesome power of the Barnstaple pack that had the final, decisive word—a truly warming sight for the drenched but delighted home support.

The Chiefs now turn their attention to a tantalising trip to Taunton this Saturday. It looks like the titans are back on the front foot having lost their opening two games, with an impressive win last Saturday beating Hinckley 41-26. So the Chiefs can expect a tough game this weekend and one I suspect many of you will want to go and see. especially as it’s only an hour away up the M5 and A361, a very quick and easy route to get to compared to some of the places we’ve got to go this season.

Just one more thing to note is that on facebook head coach Winston James sent a thank you to all you supporters for being there on Saturday,  and I thought I would share it here with you as I know many of you do not use facebook, so From Winston

 “Thank you for everyone’s fantastic support in terrible conditions! It means a lot to the boys”

The Chiefs are back at Pottington Road the following weekend October 4th when they square up to Hinckley, kick off is 2.30pm.

Chiefs Face Formidable Test Against Seasoned Taunton

The Chiefs travel to Taunton today for what promises to be their toughest challenge so far, a fixture that will truly measure the squad’s early promise against one of the league’s established powers.

There is a palpable sense of confidence within the camp, built on a solid foundation from their opening three games. That confidence was significantly bolstered by a solid victory over a dangerous Hornets side, who themselves had secured a large win over this same Taunton team the previous week. This result proves that on their day, this Barum side can compete with anyone.

However. Taunton are a club steeped in the culture of the national leagues, having been a fixture for years and returning to National 2 West this season following a brief stint in the highly competitive National 1. Their experience and pedigree make them a tough opponent, and this match will be a true test of the Chiefs’ credentials.

Key Additions Bolster the Travelling Squad

To meet this challenge head-on, the Chiefs are strengthened by some key returns. The midfield is notably reinforced with the welcome return of Jake Murphy at centre, where he will be partnered by the reliable Jonny Carter. This combination offers a blend of power and guile that will be crucial in breaking down a organised Taunton defence.

Adding to the excitement is the inclusion on the bench of last season’s Colts captain, Max Moore. Having impressed greatly in the early stages of the season with the Athletic side, his selection is a just reward for his outstanding form and marks his well-deserved first-team debut in National 2 West. His energy could be a decisive factor in the latter stages of the game.

A Battle of Momentum and Discipline

This will undoubtedly be a physical and demanding encounter where discipline and self-belief will be paramount. If the Chiefs can execute their game plan with precision and maintain the intensity they showed against Hornets, they have every chance of leaving Taunton with a positive result.

The home side, however, appear to have regained their footing after a shaky start, coming off a strong victory against Hinckley last weekend. This sets the stage for a classic clash: a confident, ascending Barnstaple side against a seasoned Taunton team rediscovering their rhythm. It is a prospect that promises compelling rugby, and our Chiefs will need to draw on every ounce of their character to come away with the result they desire.

Athletic Eye Cup Glory in Cullompton Quest

A weekend without a fixture for Athletic last Saturday came at the perfect time, providing a valuable breather and an uninterrupted week of preparation for today’s crucial Devon Intermediate Cup quarter-final away at Cullompton.

The squad heads into this cup tie riding a wave of confidence from their last outing a fortnight ago. In a devastating display of attacking rugby, Athletic kicked off their campaign with real intent, securing a resounding 50-17 victory over Plymstock Oaks. That performance was a powerful reminder of the team’s potential when all elements of their game click into place.

Today, however, presents a different challenge entirely. The task is to take that formidable home form on the road and up the intensity against a side from a higher league. While Cullompton, of Regional 2 West, are yet to register a win this season, facing opposition from a higher tier always adds a layer of intrigue and difficulty. This is a golden opportunity for Athletic to make a statement and stake their claim for cup glory from the very outset. To succeed, they must channel the “Pottington Road fire” into a focused and disciplined performance away from home.

Team News: Key Returns Bolster Changed Side

To aid in this cup challenge, Athletic are bolstered by the timely return of several key players. Making his first appearance of the season is the experienced hooker, Scott Incledon, whose presence will add significant strength to the set-piece. He is joined by Harrison Greenslade, Kyran McManus, and Ryan Lee, all adding depth and quality to the travelling squad.

Their inclusion is vital, as the side navigates the absence of Max Moore, Troy Willis, and Euan Kent. Consequently, this is a much-changed lineup from the one that dismantled the Oaks, but the returning talent offers a fresh blend of experience and energy, perfectly suited for a cup battle.

This mix of returning stalwarts and players eager to impress sets the stage for a fascinating contest. All eyes will be on Cullompton to see if this revitalised Athletic squad can continue their winning ways and secure a place in the semi-finals.

And so thee you have it as we enjoy another thrilling chapter of local rugby! The anticipation is already building for next Saturday as the Barnstaple Chiefs return to Pottington Road for a massive clash against Hinckley—a match you won’t want to miss.

Meanwhile, our other teams are fanning out across the region: the Athletic side heads to the English Riviera for a tough league encounter with Torquay, while the Buccaneers make the short trip to Crediton. The Colts, meanwhile, enjoy a well-deserved break from league pressures.

Fear not, for your weekly dose of insight and analysis will continue! The Blog is returning to its new, home within the official match programme. Be sure to grab your copy next weekend to get the full lowdown. Until then, keep the cheers loud and the spirit high. I’ll catch up with you all pitch-side