Teams 
Bideford Under 16s are delighted to announce that three of their players have been selected for the Devon Player Development Pathway (DPP) with Exeter Chiefs. Harry Parker (prop), Seb Cackett (centre) and John Davenport (prop) have all successfully progressed through several trials and have now been accepted into the regional training camps.
“It has been an incredible journey for the lads, and I can’t tell you how proud I am and that North Devon, Bideford in particular, is being recognised,” said coach Kevin Booth. “They are all fantastic kids. Harry and Seb have been with the club for years and you can already see them developing into players who could make the step into senior rugby in the future. John has been a breath of fresh air, he’s actually in the Under 15 age group but has been playing up for the Under 16s all season.”
Harry Parker is deeply connected to the club, with his grandfather Shane McCune having previously represented Bideford. Harry has developed a reputation as a real wrecking ball in the front row. Seb Cackett is following in family footsteps too, with both of his brothers having represented the club before him. A powerful runner and strong defender, he is becoming a key figure in the midfield. Harry goes into this weekend to represent the colts along with Finn Booth, Oli Cornish and Ed Wensley.
John “The Texas Tornado” Davenport has quickly made his mark on the squad, becoming one of the most destructive ball carriers in the team despite playing above his age group. He is a real character on and off the pitch and his powerful play is always a pleasure to watch.
The club hopes this achievement will act as a platform for more young players to be recognised within the development system and continue putting Bideford on the rugby map.
The Under 16s have enjoyed a strong season so far and now face Ivybridge in the cup semi-final on 22nd March, a challenging fixture both logistically and on the field, but one the squad is relishing.
