Teams 
Bideford RFC’s 1st XV (the Chiefs) kicked off their season with an impressive away win against Honiton RFC, a side that finished in the top five last year. With the two teams not having met in several seasons, there was little prior knowledge to draw on, making for an exciting and unpredictable contest.
In the lead-up to the match, Bideford had to contend with a late change to the squad. Hard-hitting center James Scott was ruled out due to a fitness concern, which saw Mark Schofield promoted from the bench into the starting lineup. Sam Picillo, who had shown great form in pre-season, was called up from the Quins to take a place on the bench.
Playing into a stiff breeze and defending downhill in the first half, Bideford made a tactical decision to keep Honiton’s early scoring chances to a minimum, with the aim of capitalising on the slope and wind advantage after the break. The opening ten minutes were a physical battle, with both sides testing each other through strong carries and committed defence. Eventually, Bideford broke the deadlock through a moment of quick thinking. Fly-half Pat Sanders opted for a quick tap penalty instead of kicking for touch against the wind. After several well-constructed phases, George Terry broke the line and offloaded to Mark Schofield who linked really well with Joey Faulkner, who scored under the posts. Sanders converted to give Bideford a 7–0 lead.
Honiton responded strongly, with their back three, full-back Rice and wings Kidson and Phillips, looking dangerous throughout. Rice used the wind well to pin Bideford back, but Bideford’s lineout work was outstanding, disrupting 10 of Honiton’s 12 throws and preventing their backs from getting clean attacking ball. Despite a solid defensive performance, Bideford conceded an equalising try following a brief lapse in concentration. A subsequent penalty gave Honiton the lead heading into half-time, 10–7.
In the second half, Bideford introduced Dave Evans-Pearce at hooker, Sam Picillo on the wing, and debutant Will Bliss at flanker, recently returned from his England Lambs tour. The impact was immediate. A penalty kicked deep into the corner was followed by a textbook catch-and-drive, with Evans-Pearce crashing over the line for a try. Fred Fishleigh and Mark Schofiled in the centers were making some great breaks and defended very well.
Bideford then entered a dominant phase of play. Sam Olde made a searing break through the midfield to score his first try of the game. Moments later, another disrupted Honiton lineout saw the ball fall kindly to Dean Folland, who took full advantage to score. Olde followed up with a powerful finish from a back-row move, working with Faulkner to drive over from five meters out. He then completed his hat-trick in style with a well-read interception, racing in under the posts. Sanders added the conversion to round off a sensational period for the visitors.
To their credit, Honiton refused to roll over. They finished the match strongly with a series of quick tap penalties and relentless forward play, which eventually led to their third try of the afternoon ,a deserved reward for their continued effort.
There were some notable performances from both forwards and backs but all in all it was the team performance that really won the day.
Overall, it was a fantastic start to the season for Bideford RFC. The team celebrated the win, but attention now turns to next week’s home fixture against OPM. With confidence high and momentum building, the Chiefs will be looking to keep their strong form going.
Final score Bideford 33 – 22 Honiton
The Quins
Bideford Quins got their season underway in style with a convincing home win against a determined Torrington side. With a strong and talented squad taking to the field, the Quins started brightly under the leadership of this season’s captain, Danny Braddick.
Early momentum was firmly with the home side as they ran in two well-worked tries through Billy Teape and Reuben Stacey, both finishes the result of excellent teamwork and support play. Freddie Palmer, playing at fly-half, marshalled the backs with control and composure, helping set the tone for a dominant attacking performance.
Bideford’s set piece was another area of strength, with Braddick and Liam Balsdon controlling the lineout superbly. That platform led to further rewards, with Balsdon himself going on to score a well-earned hat-trick, all coming from expertly executed catch-and-drive moves. Arthur Souch, continuing his good form from last season, also added his name to the scoresheet with a strong finish.
Brodi Brennan crossed for another try, and Stacey added his second of the match, capping off a well-rounded performance across the team. Freddie Palmer contributed additional points from the tee, converting several of the tries to stretch the lead.
Post-match, team manager Ben Braddick and coach Andy McKenzie-Shapland expressed their satisfaction with the result and the performance. Both were pleased with the way the squad came together, recognising the strong foundations that have been laid and the exciting potential for growth as the season progresses.
The Colts
The new-look Bideford Colts side , a blend of first- and second-year players, came together superbly in their opening Devon Merit League fixture, securing a commanding 20–0 victory over a strong South Molton outfit.
The opening quarter saw South Molton come out with real attacking intent, putting Bideford under sustained pressure. Despite being on the back foot early, Bideford’s defensive structure held firm. As the players began to settle and find their rhythm, the team grew in confidence, and momentum began to shift. The forwards and backs started to link well, gaining valuable territory and setting the platform for scoring opportunities.
The first half was dominated by the Bideford pack, with tries coming from props Archie Tetley and George Evans, both finishes a testament to the power and dominance of the forward unit. A standout moment followed when flanker Ethan Walker launched a counter-attack down the wing, beating two defenders before releasing a perfectly timed offload to winger Sam Knill, who powered home from halfway. With conversions narrowly missed, Bideford went into the break 15–0 up.
The second half proved to be more combative, with the game punctuated by frequent penalties, many against Bideford , and two yellow cards. Despite the disruption, the Colts maintained their composure and attacking shape. The midfield carried strongly, and the team looked to move the ball wide whenever opportunities arose.
The final try came in the closing minutes, when winger Oscar Price made a superb run down the short side, drawing defenders before finding flanker Charlie Morris with a perfectly timed pass. Morris finished the move clinically to seal a well-earned 20–0 win.
There were impressive performances across the pitch, with notable contributions from George Evans, George Herridge in the second row, Oscar Price on the wing, and full-back Charlie Ackland, who impressed with several strong counter-attacks from deep. Man of the Match was deservedly awarded to winger Sam Knill for his all-round impact and powerful try.
Thanks also go to South Molton Colts for a tough, competitive, and respectful contest. A great start to the season, and plenty to build on going forward.
