Teams 
League rugby is back, and there is plenty to look forward to as Bideford and Quins get their league campaigns underway, while the Colts face a trip to Torrington.
Chiefs ready for another South Molton battle
The Chiefs begin their league campaign with a local derby against South Molton, and if the two meetings between the sides last season are anything to go by, supporters are in for another close encounter.
Both games were decided by just five points or fewer, with Bideford winning 22–17 at home before South Molton edged the return fixture 27–25.
Bideford head into the new campaign with a much-changed squad. Several university students have returned to the area, while there have also been some new faces and a few familiar ones returning to the club.
The Chiefs come into the game on the back of a hard-fought victory over Bude in the Harpers Cup. It was a tough encounter, but the young Chiefs showed plenty of character to work hard and grind out the result.
Following another squad run-out last Friday, several players have put their hands up for selection, meaning there will be some difficult decisions for the coaching team to make ahead of the weekend.
South Molton enjoyed an excellent season last year under the guidance of Ben Gatehouse, finishing in a respectable league position and picking up some notable scalps along the way.
There is no doubt this will be a tough opening test for Bideford, but the Chiefs will be just as excited as their opponents to finally get the league season underway.
Quins face an unknown quantity
Quins will also begin their league campaign this weekend when they welcome New Cross RFC.
New Cross finished fifth in the league last season and recorded some impressive results along the way, including a notable 50–17 victory over Cullompton.
Quins will be strengthened this weekend by several Chiefs players getting valuable game time under their belts. There will also be returning players from last season who have been working away, while the promotion of several Colts players should add further competition for places.
Many of those young players already gained valuable senior league experience last season, and their progression will be an important part of the club’s plans going forward.
Both squads are likely to contain some unfamiliar names, but that is very much part of the plan, introducing younger players to senior rugby, giving them opportunities and developing them through the club.
Colts looking to build on strong start 1pm kick off
The Colts travel to Torrington this weekend and will again have the opportunity to look at some new combinations, with several players unavailable because of school commitments.
They head into the fixture on the back of an excellent run of form, including a victory over Sarries and an impressive 43–0 win against South Molton.
There will also be some familiar faces returning to the squad, with James Maycock, Henry Davis, Seb Walker, Fin Potter, Harry Parker, Jake Maund and Charlie Ackland all set to return.
There is also hope that John Davenport will be available to make his first appearance of the season.
With league rugby returning across the club, there is plenty of excitement, plenty of competition for places and, importantly, plenty of opportunities for the next generation of players to make their mark.
