Teams 
Minehead Colts 24 – Bideford Colts 36
Bideford Colts produced an impressive performance on the road to secure a well-earned 36–24 victory over Minehead in a fiercely contested and highly physical encounter.
Several U16 players stepped up to the Colts squad and played a key role in the win. Harry Parker (2nd Row), Oli Cornish (Scrum -half), Finn Booth (Fly-half) and Ed Wensley (front row) all delivered mature performances, standing up well to the physical challenge and integrating seamlessly into the side.
Bideford made a strong start, with tries from Charlie Morris, Harv Beal and Alfie Richards giving the visitors a narrow 15–12 advantage at the break. Minehead defended resolutely close to their own line, repelling several periods of sustained pressure as Bideford’s forwards repeatedly threatened with powerful pick-and-go phases.
The second half saw Bideford extend their lead with three further tries. Beal crossed for his second of the match and also added three conversions in an excellent all-round display. Charlie Corner’s powerful running and sharp support play proved difficult for the Minehead defence to contain, and he was rewarded with two well-taken tries.
Minehead battled hard throughout and mounted a late response, but Bideford’s defence remained solid to ensure the visitors emerged deserved winners.
The match was brought to an early conclusion by the referee shortly before the final whistle following a brief altercation between players.
The result continues a strong run of form for Bideford Colts, with the successful integration of emerging young players highlighting the strength and depth developing within the club.
Bideford Under-13s travelled to Minehead Barbarians for the first contest between the two teams for a couple of years. With a number of players unavailable, Bideford made the trip with just 19 players, meaning several of the newer squad members would gain valuable game time.
Bideford started brightly, putting in a number of dominant tackles against Minehead’s bigger players and working hard at the breakdown to make it a real contest. Jack Hutchings opened the scoring with a powerful winger’s try following some excellent handling from the backs, who moved the ball wide effectively. Bideford continued to press the Minehead line through Robinson, Lloyd, Jones and Hutchings, but Minehead’s last-ditch tackling kept them out and forced Bideford to dig deep. Alfie Jones then thrilled the crowd with a brilliant individual try, showing great pace to score from his own half. Just before the end of the first quarter, Minehead managed to break a tackle and score a try of their own.
In the second quarter, Bideford again started strongly. Captain Henry Dyer won a number of scrums against the opposition feed, while debutant Freddie Nelstrop impressed with some excellent tackling and strong carries. Unfortunately for Bideford, this quarter saw injuries to several influential players including Jones, Hutchings, Lloyd and the ever-reliable tackler Fin Corner-Hodges. The reshuffle meant forwards had to cover positions in the backline. Just before half-time, Minehead’s powerful inside centre – a towering and rapid player – scored the first of what would be seven tries.
Half-time: 2–2
In the third quarter, Bideford’s forwards continued to control the set piece, but Minehead began to find gaps in defence and scored two quick tries through their inside centre. Hutchings was reintroduced and responded with another determined try of his own. However, just before the end of the quarter, Minehead added another try out wide to take the score to 5–3.
In the final quarter, Bideford were hit by further injuries and, with no replacements left, finished the match with three second rows playing in the backline. Minehead scored first through their impressive centre before a strong attacking move from Bideford saw Robinson feed Adam Northcotte for another well-worked try, making it 6–4. Unfortunately for Bideford, Minehead then began to exploit the space behind the defence, with their quick backs kicking through and scoring three further tries to seal a 9–4 victory.
Full credit to Minehead for an entertaining and hard-fought game, and Bideford look forward to facing them more regularly in the future.
Bideford Man of the Match went to captain and hooker Henry Dyer, who produced an outstanding performance. He made countless hard tackles, won three scrums against the head, worked tirelessly at the breakdown and was everywhere across the pitch, leading from the front throughout.
Bideford U7s travelled to Cully today. Both teams played with 2 x mixed ability teams. 🏉
It wasa chilly start, but 2 x matches were played before any sign of rain 😁
Cullompton had some excellent, rapid players (as do Bideford!), but the 4 x teams were fairly evenly match. Huge thanks to Cullompton who were excellent hosts 👌
