Tries: Sam Bola x2, Zack Powell, Sam Picillo
Conversions: Reece Pearn x3

Bideford travelled to North Tawton on Friday night for their second preseason game, fielding a much-changed side from the team that defeated Bude in the Harpers Cup.

North Tawton proved fantastic hosts and provided Bideford with a tough and competitive encounter, but Biddy eventually came away with a 26-7 victory and, perhaps more importantly, a much-needed run-out for several players who had yet to feature this season.

The game was split into two 20-minute sessions followed by a 40-minute session, allowing the coaches to experiment with different combinations and give as many players as possible valuable game time.

The opening exchanges saw both sides sizing each other up, with some big hits from the forwards and aggressive defence from both teams.

Bideford were initially forced back into their own half and, with an overlap developing, the ball was moved wide. However, the North Tawton winger intercepted the pass and raced over for the opening try, which was converted to put the hosts 7-0 ahead.

Biddy were in no mood to let the setback affect their game. From the restart, they drove deep into North Tawton territory and won a penalty, choosing to kick to the corner.

A catch-and-drive was called, but North Tawton managed to get fingers to the ball and steal possession. Sam Bola was quickest to react, picking up the loose ball and powering through four defenders to score under the posts. Reece Pearn added the conversion to level the scores.

Bola was soon at it again.

North Tawton were attacking when some excellent pressure defence from Biddy forced a dropped ball. Freddy Palmer got a foot to the loose ball before it was moved out to Sam Picillo, who chipped ahead. Bola then turned footballer, kicking the ball forward and showing the pace to ground it just before it went into touch.

Pearn converted again to put Bideford ahead 14-7.

Biddy continued to apply pressure and gradually worked their way into the North Tawton 22. Another lineout provided the platform, and this time Bideford secured possession and set up a powerful drive towards the line.

When the maul was brought down, the referee played advantage and the pick-and-drive came into play. Zack Powell then produced a moment of pure improvisation, taking the NFL running-back approach with a leap over the ruck. Despite being hit full tilt by a defender, Powell somehow managed to pirouette and get the ball down for another Bideford try.

Pearn again added the extras to make it 21-7.

Bideford continued to defend well as North Tawton brought their powerful forward game to bear, repeatedly looking to make ground through the middle.

Biddy worked their way back up the pitch, however, and eventually moved the ball wide, stretching and sucking in the North Tawton defence. Sam Picillo then finished off the move with a lovely low drive to cross the line and give Bideford a 26-7 lead.

There were plenty of positives for the Bideford coaching team to take from the evening, particularly the success of several new combinations.

Ned Pettifer’s move into the second row alongside Nick Bone worked particularly well, with the pair combining for the hit of the game as they put in a huge tackle to drive the North Tawton second row back around 10 metres.

Jack Balsdon also had an exceptional game at full-back and has certainly given the coaches something to think about ahead of the opening league fixtures.

The combination of Liam Balsdon, Harri Rhodes and Sam Bola was also impressive throughout, with the trio causing plenty of problems for the North Tawton defence.

The only downside to an otherwise positive evening was an injury to Dave Evans, who appeared to take a knock to his knee. He will be assessed over the coming days.

With preseason continuing to build momentum, Next up: Chiefs travel to South Molton, while the Quins welcome New Cross.Bideford now turn their attention to the start of league rugby.

Bideford Colts 43 – 0 South Molton 🏉

With 12 players unavailable, we had a match day 23 for this development match. Playing first on the main pitch in our centenary year, the Colts showcased a commanding performance of controlled rugby. Possession was the rule of the day, a significant improvement on the week before.

South Molton, always competitive, rallied in the 3rd quarter with a wave of close attacks and carries, but Bideford stood strong and defended superbly to keep them on zero.

⭐ Alfie Fisher at 10 controlled the game excellently with great positional acuity, slotting some challenging conversions too. Well deserved Man of the Match!

First year wingers Theo Rowe and Oscar Williams boosted their confidence with a try each. Other tries came from Dexter De Wreede, George Herridge, Ethan Walker, Charlie Corner and Oli Cornish. Fisher added the extras for a 43-0 victory.

Impressive start to the season for the Under 14 boys

Bideford made the journey to Taunton for their first ever game of 15 a side rugby. Playing at their impressive pitch the boys put in a dominant performance with the score being recorded at 50-0, amoung the scorers were Eben Ball with 3 tries, Jack Hutchings and Alfie Jones with two each and George Cann was impressive off the tee making 7 out of 9 conversions along with a try of his own.

The pre season fitness really showed and the forwards dominated the breakdown to allow Bideford’s backs to keep attacking in space. Wearing their new after match shirts and ties forward of the game went to prop Leonardo Gill and George Cann was awarded back of the match on debut. The Bideford players awarded Taunton player Issac player of the match for them for some impressive tackling.