Teams 
Try scorers: Olde x (2), Folland (3), Heddon, Bone
Conversions: Palmer (3)
Bideford hosted Dartmouth on Sponsors’ Day in what became an unusual but memorable afternoon of rugby. Dartmouth had already awarded Bideford a home walkover, yet still travelled with just 11 committed players, an effort that earned them genuine respect from everyone at the club. Wanting to honour their commitment and ensure a proper contest, Bideford loaned four players to the visitors: the returning Mark Schofield, Tim Denford, Amos Waters Liam Balsdon and colt Ryan Hutchings.
As if the day needed any more complications, a late referee cancellation left the fixture in jeopardy. With kick-off approaching and no official available, the club was rescued by Mark Slee, who stepped in at short notice and delivered an excellent performance with the whistle.
With the result already predetermined, squad members playing against teammates, and the pre-match disruption, it was understandably difficult for Bideford to get fully into their rhythm. The performance was far from polished, but the Chiefs still secured the win.
Some of the brightest moments actually came from the Bideford players who turned out for Dartmouth. Amos Waters impressed with two well-taken tries and two conversions, while Denford handled the high ball confidently. Schofield was sharp at scrum-half, helping spark Dartmouth’s opening try, the versatile Liam Balsdon stepping in at center making some bit hits punching holes in the Biddy midfield, and Hutchings put in a strong shift at No. 8, making plenty of tackles and carrying well catching the coaches eyes.
For Bideford, Folland was the standout performer with a superb hat-trick, offering some much-needed spark in an otherwise scrappy performance. The Chiefs will know they need to lift their standards next week as they travel to Tavistock in the league.
Overall, it wasn’t a classic, but it was a day that showcased rugby values, club spirit, and a collective determination to make the game happen. A huge thanks goes out to Dartmouth and we wish them well for the rest of the season.
Bideford U16 Show Grit and Determination in Hard-Fought Cup Clash with Exmouth
Bideford 8 -7 Exmouth
Try – George Morris
Pen – Alfie Fisher
Bideford U16s faced Exmouth in the league cup on a day dominated by heavy rain and uncertainty. With pitches across the area waterlogged, there were real concerns the fixture would be called off, until Kingsley School stepped in and offered their lower grass pitch, which held up remarkably well considering the conditions.
A free-flowing spectacle was never on the cards, but what followed was a hugely competitive and spirited contest. Handling errors were inevitable, yet both teams produced outstanding defensive sets, and Bideford embraced the physical battle from the outset.
Bideford struck first with a trademark burst from George Morris, sniping around the edge of a driving maul to score. Finn Booth came close with the conversion, but the kick drifted just wide. Exmouth responded before the break, taking a narrow 7–5 lead into halftime.
The second half became a showcase of Bideford’s resilience, particularly in their goal-line defence. Time and again they repelled Exmouth pressure, with Ed Wensley setting the tone through sheer work rate and commitment. Harry Parker also delivered a standout performance, shifted into the front row, he sacrificed some of his usual attacking influence but more than made up for it with immense effort in the areas that mattered.
The only points of the second half came from Bideford, as Alfie Fisher calmly slotted a penalty to edge his side ahead.
In tough conditions and against a strong opponent, the Bideford lads showed character, grit, and teamwork, qualities that earned them a deserved result in a fixture that could easily have been lost to the weather.
