Trys: Atkinson, Bloodworth, Crouch
Cons: Pearn
Pens: Atkinson
Bideford MOM: Harry Bloodworth

Bideford Chiefs travelled to South Molton for the opening game of the season, with the fixture already shaping up to be a classic after the two sides’ previous encounters. It certainly didn’t disappoint, with a hard-fought derby producing pretty much everything you would expect from a local rivalry.

With great weather and excellent playing conditions, South Molton won the toss and elected to play up the slope , a decision that proved to be a smart one.

From the outset, South Molton controlled the tempo and enjoyed the majority of possession, forcing Bideford to defend for long periods and starving the Chiefs of the ball. However, whenever South Molton made an error, Bideford were quick to pounce, looking to move the ball wide on the narrow pitch.

South Molton were first on the scoreboard with a penalty in front of the posts, which they duly converted.

Bideford had an opportunity to level the scores shortly afterwards, but a penalty from just left of the posts was pulled narrowly wide.

The Chiefs soon found their breakthrough, however. Louis Atkinson intercepted deep inside the South Molton half and raced clear to score. Reece Pearn added the conversion to put Bideford ahead 7–5.

South Molton responded by working their way back up the field and earning another penalty. Rather than take the points, they opted for the corner and backed their big pack. The decision paid off as they secured the lineout and drove over the line. The conversion was added to put South Molton back in front at 10–7.

From the restart, South Molton continued to enjoy possession, but a rare mistake gave Bideford an attacking opportunity. A scrum out wide allowed the Chiefs to set up a backs move, with fullback Jack Balsdon breaking the line before releasing Harry Bloodworth, who crossed for Bideford’s second try. The conversion was missed, but the Chiefs were back in front at 12–10.

Next on the scoresheet was Ash Crouch. Bideford worked their way into the South Molton 22 and set up a pick-and-go. Crouch held his depth before running a superb hard line and powering through for Bideford’s third try.

The conversion was missed, leaving the Chiefs with a 17–10 lead at the break.

Unfortunately for Bideford, the second half proved a very different story.

South Molton came out strongly and began to control the game, with Bideford struggling to build sustained possession. The Chiefs did manage to add a further penalty through the impressive Louis Atkinson, but South Molton went on to score an interception try and two further tries as they turned the game around.

The final score was South Molton 28–20 Bideford Chiefs.

There will undoubtedly be plenty for the Chiefs to take from the game. South Molton showed exactly how effective it can be to retain possession, particularly when playing up the slope, and Bideford will need to learn from that. At times, the Chiefs gave away possession unnecessarily through ambitious passes and offloads when simply retaining the ball would have been the better option.

The lineout was another area that will need attention. While it proved extremely useful defensively, it failed to function as effectively as Bideford would have wanted in attack. It is an area that will receive plenty of attention in training this Wednesday.

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from the opening game, particularly the attacking threat shown in the first half.

Harry Bloodworth was a constant threat whenever the ball finally reached him and thoroughly deserved his Man of the Match award.

South Molton ultimately deserved their victory and played some very good rugby, but the Chiefs will take plenty of lessons from a competitive opening-day derby and look to bounce back next time out.

Bideford Colts Turn Up the Heat with 65–0 Win

Bideford Colts 65–0 Torrington

Trys: George Morris, Theo Rowe, Darlton x2, Alfie Fisher, Oscar Williams, Henry Davis x2, Charlie Ackland x2
Conversions: Finn Potter x4, Billy Eastwood

Bideford Colts travelled to Torrington on the back of two wins, still unable to field their full-strength squad due to school commitments, with 13 players unavailable.

However, rather than weakening the squad, the absences provided an opportunity for others to put their hands up and stake their claim for a place.

Several players returned to the side after missing the previous week’s fixture against South Molton, and the Colts produced an exceptional performance, running out 65–0 winners.

The result was particularly pleasing given the circumstances. The squad has looked sharp in training despite the number of players unavailable, and that preparation was reflected in an impressive display of execution on the pitch.

While results are not the primary focus of a friendly fixture, the performance certainly mattered. Several players who perhaps felt they had not performed to their best against the Sarries were given another opportunity to show what they could do, and they certainly took it.

The points came from all over the pitch, with forwards and backs combining extremely well throughout the game.

The Colts’ lineout was particularly effective, repeatedly denying Torrington possession and giving Bideford a strong platform to attack from. The work rate across the pitch was phenomenal, with the squad maintaining its intensity throughout the game.

One player who particularly caught the coaches’ attention was James Maycock. Already on the radar of the senior squad, Maycock produced a superb performance at number six, with his energy and work rate around the pitch described by the coaching team as exceptional.

There were plenty of other standout performances, but perhaps the biggest positive from the afternoon was the competition now developing throughout the squad.

With players returning, others taking their opportunities and everyone pushing hard in training, places in the side are becoming increasingly difficult to secure.

And that competition will be put to the test this Sunday when the Colts turn their attention to the National Cup, travelling to local rivals Barnstaple.

There will still be some unavailability due to holidays and school fixtures, but with selection based on training, attendance and previous performances, competition for places is going to be exceptionally high.

After a performance like this, there will certainly be plenty of players putting their hands up.

Fitness the key to another big win for the under 14’s

Bideford hosted Wellington today for the first ever game between the age groups. At times it seemed one side in favour of the home team however full credit to Wellington for not giving up and tackling until the end, the end that seemed to go on for quite some time! Score was recorded as a 55-5 win to Bideford.
Bideford were able to shuffle the squad and boasted 13 new starters to the team that played last week which included three debuts for the club and as a squad they didn’t take their foot off the gas.

Alfie jones showed real class in the backs to dot down three times and George Cann continues to impress off the tee, knocking over 8 out of 9 attempts at goal.

Try of the day went to Finley McGoldrick, who was awarded back of the match, catching a pass off his laces he composed himself – rounding the winger before running through two defenders to show what a determined runner he can be.

Forward of the match went to debut player Sam Herridge, his first ever game of club rugby he packed down at 6 and made some very impressive hits reminiscent to a young Lewis Moody and the greatest part was he had a smile that got bigger after every tackle but somehow disappeared in the clubhouse!!!!