Teams 
It has been a frustrating pre-season for players and coaches alike. While numbers at training have been hugely encouraging, the lack of rugby has proved difficult, and with the start of the season delayed due to the hard ground, the players are now absolutely chomping at the bit to get out there and get going.
The prolonged dry weather has meant limited opportunities for full training on the pitch, while arranging pre-season fixtures has also proved challenging. As a result, much of the match-fitness work has had to be carried out in smaller areas of the pitch, with sessions becoming more specific to the positions the players will be operating in.
Despite the frustrations, the enthusiasm, commitment and drive shown by the players have been hugely impressive.
With both the Chiefs and Quins playing league rugby, there is plenty of competition for places. The arrival of some new faces, the return of players who have been abroad, and the students who have now completed their studies have all added to the numbers and competition within the squad. With 38 places available across the two teams, we have regularly seen 38 or more players training, which can only be a positive as we head into the season.
Senior Colts Making Their Mark
The introduction of the Senior Colts into senior training has also gone extremely well. A number of the young players have impressed the coaching team considerably and, as was the case last season, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to make the step up and play senior rugby.
The Colts got their season off to an impressive start this weekend with a 36–17 victory over Exeter Saracens. It was a difficult game to assess in the traditional sense, with 34 players taking to the pitch across four quarters, meaning there were plenty of different combinations and positional changes throughout.
That said, it was an excellent showing from the squad, with several of the Colts putting their hands up and showing that they are more than capable of making an impact in senior rugby.
Seniors Head to North Tawton
The senior sides have their next pre-season outing this Friday evening when they travel to North Tawton. It will be a welcome opportunity to finally get some valuable minutes under their belts and begin building the combinations that will be needed once the league campaign gets underway.
There will be some new names on the team sheets, alongside several of last season’s Senior Colts who have brought plenty of energy and enthusiasm to senior training.
It would be fantastic to see plenty of travelling support on Friday, so if you can make the trip, get behind the lads and help create the atmosphere they deserve.
Colts Back at Home
The Colts continue their campaign on Saturday with a home fixture against South Molton.
With a number of the Kingsley players away on a trip and the Shebbear College players involved in a school fixture, there will be plenty of opportunities for other members of the squad to step up and impress.
The lads will certainly appreciate the support, so get down to the club and give them the backing they deserve. There should be some entertaining rugby on show.
Next week – League Rugby Is Finally Here
Then, the following week, the wait is finally over and league rugby gets underway.
The Chiefs will travel to South Molton for their opening league fixture, and what better way to start the campaign than with a local derby?
Last season produced two fantastic encounters between the sides, and with South Molton once again expected to provide a stern test, this promises to be another cracking game of rugby.
Meanwhile, the Quins will begin their league campaign at home against New Cross. It has been a number of years since the sides last met, so there is an element of the unknown going into the fixture, but it promises to be another competitive and entertaining afternoon.
And, of course, the Bin Faithful will be needed in force.
After a long, dry and frustrating pre-season, everyone at the club is ready for the real thing. The players have been putting in the work, competition for places is fierce, and there is a real sense of excitement building around the club.
Now we just need to get out there and play some rugby!
Come on, lads!
