Teams 
Bideford U23s 36–26 Tavistock U23s
Tries: Billy Williams-Rice, Joey Faulkner, Sam Bola, Jack Balsdon (2), Charlie Ackland
Conversions: Kai Pett (3)
Bideford Under-23s is a new initiative the club’s coaches were keen to develop, helping to integrate some of the Colts into senior rugby. Tavistock hosted the competition, and it all came down to these two sides to decide the winner.
Before the game, the coaches worked hard to get some of the first-year Colts signed up. Thanks to support from Devon RFU and England RFU, permission was granted for Dexter De Wreede, Charlie Corner, Charlie Morris and Charlie Ackland to play. It meant Bideford fielded a very young squad, backed up by second-year Colts and senior players who still qualified for the age grade. It promised to be an exciting game , and it certainly delivered.
The weather wasn’t too bad, with light rain softening the pitch and sunshine breaking through between showers. The rugby itself certainly kept the supporters warm, with both sides playing some fantastic running rugby. Bideford also chose to wear the North Devon Hospice kit in support of the Nightwalk events taking place across North Devon that day.
Tavistock started quickly, with their powerful forward pack causing problems early on. A mistimed Bideford lineout allowed Tavistock to gather the loose ball and cross for the opening try. Soon after, Tavy were awarded a scrum in front of the posts, and their impressive number eight powered over for another converted score to make it 12–0.
Under the posts, the message from Bideford was simple: calm down, play in the right areas, and move the ball away from the Tavistock pack.
Bideford responded well. Strong carries from Sam Bola and Charlie Corner got the side on the front foot, while Kai Pett’s direct running and Billy Williams-Rice’s excellent tactical kicking began to shift momentum.
A scrum to the right of the posts gave Bideford their opportunity. Sam Bola picked from the base and drew in several defenders before quick ball found Billy Williams-Rice, whose clever show-and-go took him over for Bideford’s first try. Kai Pett added the conversion.
The Bideford backs were beginning to click, with Cam Vallely, Charlie Stevenson and Jack Balsdon all making strong yards in attack, while Charlie Ackland looked assured under pressure at full-back. Another solid scrum platform, thanks to the hard work of the front five, allowed the ball to move wide before skipper Joey Faulkner sniped over from close range to level the scores.
Next on the scoresheet was Jack Balsdon. Following excellent work from Ryan Hutchings and Harrison Rhodes, the ball was moved quickly through the hands to Balsdon just inside halfway. He put his foot down, outpaced the Tavistock defence, and crossed for a superb try.
That brought an entertaining first half to a close, although Bideford were unfortunate to lose Ollie Hedden and Oscar Price to injury after both had impressed during their time on the pitch.
The message at half-time was simple: enjoy the game and continue playing the same rugby.
Bideford started the second half exactly as they had ended the first, with strong defence and relentless pressure on Tavistock. Billy Williams-Rice produced an excellent kick deep into Tavy territory, and a wave of Bideford shirts forced the Tavistock winger over his own line, earning Bideford a scrum.
From the resulting scrum, Sam Bola picked and went from the base, and this time nobody could stop him as he crashed over under the posts. Kai Pett converted.
Dexter De Wreede impressed at scrum-half with quick service and sharp decision-making, while Charlie Morris was a constant nuisance in defence, putting in several big tackles and competing hard at the breakdown. Tom Owen also contributed well, carrying strongly and working tirelessly in defence and his banter was great when he got his yellow card.
Bideford’s next try came from sheer pressure. A missed touch kick forced Tavistock to run the ball, but once again the Bideford chase was outstanding. Under pressure, the Tavistock full-back attempted a clearance kick while being tackled, only for the ball to loop into the air. Charlie Ackland gathered it at pace and ghosted through several defenders to score brilliantly. Kai Pett added the extras.
Charlie Stevenson continued to cause problems on the wing, and with a reshuffled backline, Sam Bola moved to inside centre and Joey Faulkner to outside centre. From a scrum, Bideford produced a lovely flowing move. Straight hands drew defenders in towards Bola, who delivered a perfectly timed pass to Faulkner. Joey sold a dummy before bursting through and releasing Jack Balsdon out wide to score the decisive try and secure the win for Bideford.
Special mention must go to the front row of Archie Teatly, Dylan Rooks-Haste and Harvey Beal, who worked tirelessly throughout the match. All three carried strongly, scrummaged well and defended superbly for the full game, playing a huge role in the victory.
A fantastic team performance and a brilliant advert for the future of Bideford rugby. Both Coaches Boothy and Shaps were very impressed with he players which bodes well for the future.
