Teams 
Under 12 Boys
With the park pitch out of action thanks to the weather, we were treated to the luxury of the Kingsley Astro as we welcomed South Molton. Historically, this fixture is always tight, physical, and generally bad for the nerves — and this one followed the script perfectly.
Warm-up didn’t exactly scream “we’re flying today” and when the coaching team glanced over at a very sharp-looking, well-drilled South Molton side, there was a brief moment of “oh… this could be a long morning.” Thankfully, that concern lasted about as long as it took for the game to kick off.
The first quarter was Bideford at their best. Tackling was strong, rucking was aggressive, ball speed from the breakdown was quick, and the width was used brilliantly. It was excellent to watch and left South Molton chasing shadows at times, earning us a deserved 2–0 lead at the end of the quarter.
As planned, we rang the changes for the second quarter which led the new players a tough job getting up to the speed of play. Unsurprisingly, this took a little time to settle. South Molton kept their intensity high while we struggled to match it, and the quarter belonged to them. Credit to the team, though — we dug in and somehow reached the third quarter only one score behind.
More changes followed for the third quarter and, reassuringly, some of our shape and rhythm returned. We looked stronger, more organised, and began to impose ourselves again, which saw us level the scores heading into the final quarter. Game on.
The final quarter was exactly what you’d expect from two evenly matched sides — physical, competitive, and not for the faint-hearted. We never quite rediscovered the slick shape of the opening quarter and conceded an early try, but the response was excellent. There was plenty of back-and-forth rugby, and with the very last play of the match we dragged the scores level — a much nicer ending than the away fixture, where we were on the wrong side of the final whistle drama.
This was a cracking game to watch and be part of. The coaching team were incredibly proud of the players, particularly for keeping their heads when things got tough — not always easy in a game that tested patience as much as skill.
Player of the Day was a real headache. Ronnie and Billy put in some huge carries and tackles, Charlie H was outstanding in defence and did great work at 9, and Freddie looked dangerous whenever he got the ball. In the end, Man of the Match went to Ross for his calm, controlled play at 10 in the second and third quarters, backed up by some strong tackling and carries elsewhere. Well deserved.
Next up, we face Ilfracombe and Torrington — hopefully two encounters that will give just as much enjoyment.
Under 13 Boys
10 of the best from the Under 13’s as they hosted Exeter Saracens at Kingsley on the 4G.
Final score Bideford 10 tries -Saracens 5
Both teams started strongly in defence with big tackles ensuring all players had to front up. The returning Alfie Jones opened the scoring for his first of 4 tries for the home side with a fine 50 metre run down the wing. Saracens then hit back immediately, numerous infringements from the Bideford side gave Saracens a tap and go penalty which was given to their big running prop who crashed over the even the scores. From then on Bideford started to show some class in attack with again Jones, Ball x 2, Robinson and Fuller all dotted down to give the home side a commanding 6-1 half time.
Second half Bideford struck immediately with Fuller making a dangerous run at the heart of the Saracens defence and then fed Robinson a perfectly timed pass to break away from the covering tackles to score a fine try.
Full credit to Saracens, many teams would of buckled at 7-1 down but they worked hard and with there newly introduced player looking like a formidable runner they went on to score the next three tries of the match.
Bideford regrouped and Jones again showed his class by scoring two fine tries before Saracens again hit back with another try of there own and Ball rounded off the scoring touching down in the corner, finishing off some fine passing from the Bideford players. Unfortunately the game was stopped a little early due to an injury to a Saracens player, all at Bideford wish him a speedy recovery.
Player of the day went to James Chessum, he tackled, rucked and ran brilliantly throughout the match.
Final score Bideford 10 tries -Saracens 5
Scores –
Alfie Jones x 4
Eben Ball x 3
Grifff Robinson x 2
Edgar Fuller
