Teams 
Bideford travel to North Tawton for their second pre-season friendly of the campaign, with a mixed squad featuring Second Team players, former Colts and a few returning Chiefs players all getting their opportunity.
North Tawton will compete in the Quins League this season and will provide Bideford with a good test. They enjoyed some excellent results last season, including strong performances against the likes of New Cross and Tiverton, as well as a victory over newly promoted Exmouth.
The arrival of Nathan Gosling, who has played at a good level throughout Devon and coached Devon Under-20s, should bring further energy and experience to the North Tawton setup.
They already have some rugby under their belts after facing Tavistock last weekend. Tavistock travelled with a strong squad containing a majority of First Team players and, from reports, North Tawton were more than up to the challenge and gave a very good account of themselves.
Competition for places
Bideford head into Saturday on the back of a victory over Bude in the Harpers Cup, but supporters will notice a very different-looking squad this weekend.
Now it is time for another group of players to put their hands up and show their intent to earn a place in the Chiefs.
With both senior sides entering league rugby this season, competition for places is going to be fierce. There are 38 matchday places available across the two teams and around 45 players looking for rugby, which should make selection particularly difficult for the coaches.
Bideford came through a robust contact session on Wednesday evening before being let loose on the paddock for their first full-pitch run-out since the Bude game.
The lads looked sharp, hungry and keen to get going. Saturday is also about getting valuable minutes into the players and continuing to build towards next week’s fixture against South Molton.
Colts ready for second outing
The Colts also go into their second game of the season as they take on South Molton.
A number of players are unavailable this weekend due to commitments with Shebbear and Kingsley, but the size and depth of the Colts squad means there is another great opportunity for players to step forward and compete for positions.
Last week’s encounter with Sarries proved a difficult test, with several personnel changes and different combinations being trialled throughout the game. That is all part of pre-season, though, and Saturday provides another chance for the players to stake their claim.
With league rugby now just a week away, competition is building throughout the club and every opportunity on the pitch counts.
Go well to everyone pulling on a Bideford shirt this weekend. It’s fantastic to have rugby back, and with the league season just around the corner, the excitement is building!
