Teams 
Bideford U16s Push Title Favourites All the Way
Bideford 8 -21 Exeter Athletic
Bideford Under 16s hosted high-flying Exeter Athletic, the clear favourites for the competition and widely regarded as the team to beat. Exeter arrived unbeaten, having dominated every opponent so far, with the closest margin before today being a 35-point difference.
But overlooked Bideford had other ideas! Logistically we don’t see scouts and we don’t get the opportunities that other teams do so this was a chance to put the hands up and show what they are missing.
Despite going into the match short of game time, having played just twice in the last ten weeks, Bideford produced a hugely creditable performance, holding Exeter to a 13-point margin. In truth, this was far from Bideford’s best showing, with a little rustiness evident, which makes the result even more impressive.
Drawn into one of the toughest leagues in the competition, Bideford can hold their heads high. With a dominant scrum and several powerful ball carriers on show, there’s hope that one or two players may yet catch the attention of the Exeter setup, despite no invitations having been forthcoming so far. Performances like this tend to speak for themselves, let’s see what happens.
Exeter showed their class, playing clinical rugby and punishing any Bideford errors. Difficulties under the high ball caused problems, and the lineout, usually a strong area against other teams , struggled to function, whether through poor options or inaccurate throws. This is clearly an area to focus on in training this week.
That said, Bideford never gave up. The players took responsibility for mistakes, showed real character, and played some good rugby in patches. There’s no doubt that if you want to be the best, you have to play the best, and that is exactly what Bideford have committed to this season by travelling further and seeking tougher challenges. It’s a testament to both the players and the parents who continue to make that commitment.
It was very much a day of could haves and should haves, but full credit to the lads. Attention now turns to the next round of the cup, whether in the main competition or the plate, there is still everything to play for.
Difficult to give man of the match this week but happily give a team shout:
Special mentions go to Harry Parker for his powerful, hard-running lines through the middle; Oli Cornish for delivering several excellent box kicks that relieved pressure; and John Davenport, who dominated the scrum against a quality opponent, a prop with Under-17 Exeter front-row experience.
Under 15 s
Bideford 19-19 Exmouth
The U15s hosted Exmouth this morning in the cup. Based on previous results it was always going to be a tight game and so it proved to be ending in a 19-19 draw. The Biddy boys put in one of their best ever defensive efforts today and stayed in the fight the whole game. Trailing 12-19 going into the last minute it was squeaky bum time but superb strength from our tight head prop, Hayden Keet, saw him crash over near the touchline. With last the kick of the match our 10, Oz Burrows, nailed a touchline conversion to secure a well deserved draw. Very proud if slightly greyer coaches
Under 14s
Bideford u14s vs Exeter Athletic
A fast start saw Exeter take an early 10 -0 lead in the first 5 minutes, Bideford replied with two well worked trys to lead 12- 10 after 10 minutes. After both teams settled and Exeter pounced on some defensive miscommunication they scored 3 unanswered trys to lead 25 to 12. After some strong runs from the forwards and some fantastic offloading Bideford scored right on half time to trail at the break 17 – 25.
Bideford started the 2nd half strong with some ferocious running through their fowards. Their pressure was rewarded with and early score to close the gap to 24 to 25. Exeter hit back with a quick score to lead 32 to 24. Bideford persisted in the second half with some strong running rugby closing the gap to 31 to 32. Exeter struck back immediately in a very close game to extend their lead to 31 – 37. A length of the field try extended the lead to 31- 44 and secured the win for Exeter Athletic. Thank you to Exeter for making the trip to Bideford. A great game of rugby with two evenly matched teams competing against each other.
Bideford U13s
Final Score = Withycombe 2 – Bideford 6
Bideford Under 13’s made the long trip to Bicton College to be hosted by Withycombe who they last played in the Landrover cup over a year ago.
With a number of players missing, Bideford still boasted a squad of 20 and all made an impact when on the field.
With conditions wet and sticky under foot Bideford started brightly, securing rucks and enabling the formidable Eben Ball to open his account for the day. Withycombe fought back to score a try of their own before Callan Lloyd scored just before the end of the first quarter to make it advantage Bideford.
As the game carried on handling proved tough with a greasy ball and it became a little blighted by knock ons. To the forwards delight, lots of scrums kept play around the middle of the park and all the pack had to dig deep to ensure they had a foothold in the game. A further two scores before half time from Ball saw the first half end 4-1 in Bideford’s favour.
As the second half started the game was in the balance for Withycombe, Bideford had them on the ropes and kept threatening to run away with it but full credit to the home fly half for some brilliant clearance kicks under pressure and two of the big home forwards proved to be a real pain at the break down throughout the match and successfully slowed down the Bideford attack.
Full credit must go to forwards Laycock and Chessum who both had great run outs in the centers. Half back, Fuller, and full back, Robinson, run well with ball in had and Ball looked dangerous every time he was in possession.
Player of the match went to Number 8/ Hooker, Charlie Heddon, fantastic around the park making a bucket full of important tackles, countless turnovers and always supporting his team.
It was great to hear the home referee praise the Bideford side and we look forward to meeting again in the future.
