Ok once was bad enough, but twice, WTF.
I don't know the details yet from Bournemouth apart from that it is was 13-6 down at half time, and we lost 24-23. But from this far away I am gutted, and when I read about tomorrow I will be worse.
Is it worse than a defeat, I know we got the bonus point, but so what? We could have won twice away from home, which over the last couple of years have been rarer than hens teeth for Barum.
Now we are in must win territory at home to Bridgwater next week in our first home game, and they have won both games so far!
Looking forward to it already.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Friday, 3 September 2010
Weston Super Mare Away - 1st Game of the season
Well here we are 1st game of the league season, all the pre season done, all the hard yards in fitness training, the drills and run throughs are complete, just the small matter of giving WSM an ass kicking.
The Vibe from the club has been really positive all summer, as soon Danny Thomas was approached and confirmed as Head Coach, I for one have been excited about this season will progress.
We have lost a few and gained a few, losing our ever present Kiwi Simon Watkins leaves a big hole in the centre of pitch not just in performance but also in character, if anybody else except Phil could be relied on to drag players up it was Simon. Still not entirely sure what is happening with Fats, so it will be a new centre pairing and from what I saw of Josh Squire and Tom Pearce it is an exciting new combination.
Losing Jack Elliott and Neil Giddy is definitely a big blow, but Joe Wearne has been putting the performances to suggest he can step up, and Jamie Tripcony is big signing and big presence at the back of the scrum.
I am a bit gutted I can't make it tomorrow, small matter of my sisters wedding, so I will be watching my phone at opportune moments to try and get updates, then when I get the results I will be drinking into the night or slightly grumpy in the corner.
We have had some ding dong battles over the last couple of years with WSM, beating them twice in our first season in Nat3SW, but losing two tight games last year, so it should be tight. It looked for a while like WSM were losing their very influential 8 to big spending Taunton, but he decided to come back which is a shame for us, apart from that what little I can find on the web is, the two kiwis they had have gone back, but they have gained 2 -3 from around the local sides. They have certainly lost the fly half that kicked us out of the game at home, which is a big plus for us.
Around the league, some huge games are taking place in what has to one of the most competitive leagues at this level, Bournemouth are up at Redingensians, both who sound bullish about their prospects according to their local press and Hartbury who will have the championship credentials tested by Cleve, who as always are complete unknown, I can never find any information on them, but they are always very competitive.
Another mention has to go to Newton Abbott, who take their bow at this level for the first time, very interesting to see how they go.
Can't wait for tomorrow, gutted I can't be there, but really looking forward to writing about a victory on Sunday!
The Vibe from the club has been really positive all summer, as soon Danny Thomas was approached and confirmed as Head Coach, I for one have been excited about this season will progress.
We have lost a few and gained a few, losing our ever present Kiwi Simon Watkins leaves a big hole in the centre of pitch not just in performance but also in character, if anybody else except Phil could be relied on to drag players up it was Simon. Still not entirely sure what is happening with Fats, so it will be a new centre pairing and from what I saw of Josh Squire and Tom Pearce it is an exciting new combination.
Losing Jack Elliott and Neil Giddy is definitely a big blow, but Joe Wearne has been putting the performances to suggest he can step up, and Jamie Tripcony is big signing and big presence at the back of the scrum.
I am a bit gutted I can't make it tomorrow, small matter of my sisters wedding, so I will be watching my phone at opportune moments to try and get updates, then when I get the results I will be drinking into the night or slightly grumpy in the corner.
We have had some ding dong battles over the last couple of years with WSM, beating them twice in our first season in Nat3SW, but losing two tight games last year, so it should be tight. It looked for a while like WSM were losing their very influential 8 to big spending Taunton, but he decided to come back which is a shame for us, apart from that what little I can find on the web is, the two kiwis they had have gone back, but they have gained 2 -3 from around the local sides. They have certainly lost the fly half that kicked us out of the game at home, which is a big plus for us.
Around the league, some huge games are taking place in what has to one of the most competitive leagues at this level, Bournemouth are up at Redingensians, both who sound bullish about their prospects according to their local press and Hartbury who will have the championship credentials tested by Cleve, who as always are complete unknown, I can never find any information on them, but they are always very competitive.
Another mention has to go to Newton Abbott, who take their bow at this level for the first time, very interesting to see how they go.
Can't wait for tomorrow, gutted I can't be there, but really looking forward to writing about a victory on Sunday!
Saturday, 21 August 2010
home pre-season game vs Cullumpton
Well one game, lots more to go, as ever at the moment, didn't get to see the game in full, small children tend to take up your attention no matter how much you encourage them to watch the game, but the small crew of children we have down at the bridge end do seem to have fun, no matter the weather!
The first half was a much better game than the second, but the conditions really made it hard work in the second half, the rain come down, the ball got slippy and the tempers flared.
Barum won 29-12, Cullumpton scored one try from a clever kick through that bounced away from our full back and an interception try, Barums defence throughout was strong and whilst Cullumpton had possession and made some strong breaks, they never caused sustained pressure to put Barum under strain. Barum scored two really good tries through Luke Berry in the first half, Tom Pearce and Mark Berry got one each and the last try I missed who scored, when I find out I will add them in!
Off the new players, James Tripcony at eight looked very tidy and strong in the line out, the full back who I think was Gareth Espin looked very sharp and had good space, Tom Pearce in the centre looked good and deserved his try, the prop and hooker who started certainly played well in open play, certainly the samoan (?) prop looked very good, good carries and I think a turnover.
Players that were returning including Josh Squire and Kele Tainfou (?), who were both outstanding, Kele looked a bit raw last year when he played, but has come back this year and looked very strong with much improved technique, whilst Josh has been out for almost two years with a knee injury and it showed, but in a very good way, really keen, really effective, kicking the ball well and looks to have gained a yard of pace, if he can stay fit he is going to be superb for us this year. Nelly Webber has come back to Barnstaple after being at .Uni and playing for league rivals Old Patesians and looked very sharp at Nine, feisty and quick with ball away, exactly what Barnstaple have been looking for, just try and not get sin binned in the league programme!
Really good to see Grant playing the full eighty minutes, he will be a very useful player to have, and with the first choice front row starting the second half, our scrum looked very powerful.
All in all a good day at the office, for Danny and his team, and the desired win, after two narrow defeats, the shape looked good at times, defence was strong and aggressive, it would have been nice to carve them open a bit more, but the team and certainly backline and still getting to know each other at times.
Unfortunately next three games for the first team are away, so no first team action to watch until sept 18th, will try and catch some 2nd team games over the next few weeks.
The first half was a much better game than the second, but the conditions really made it hard work in the second half, the rain come down, the ball got slippy and the tempers flared.
Barum won 29-12, Cullumpton scored one try from a clever kick through that bounced away from our full back and an interception try, Barums defence throughout was strong and whilst Cullumpton had possession and made some strong breaks, they never caused sustained pressure to put Barum under strain. Barum scored two really good tries through Luke Berry in the first half, Tom Pearce and Mark Berry got one each and the last try I missed who scored, when I find out I will add them in!
Off the new players, James Tripcony at eight looked very tidy and strong in the line out, the full back who I think was Gareth Espin looked very sharp and had good space, Tom Pearce in the centre looked good and deserved his try, the prop and hooker who started certainly played well in open play, certainly the samoan (?) prop looked very good, good carries and I think a turnover.
Players that were returning including Josh Squire and Kele Tainfou (?), who were both outstanding, Kele looked a bit raw last year when he played, but has come back this year and looked very strong with much improved technique, whilst Josh has been out for almost two years with a knee injury and it showed, but in a very good way, really keen, really effective, kicking the ball well and looks to have gained a yard of pace, if he can stay fit he is going to be superb for us this year. Nelly Webber has come back to Barnstaple after being at .Uni and playing for league rivals Old Patesians and looked very sharp at Nine, feisty and quick with ball away, exactly what Barnstaple have been looking for, just try and not get sin binned in the league programme!
Really good to see Grant playing the full eighty minutes, he will be a very useful player to have, and with the first choice front row starting the second half, our scrum looked very powerful.
All in all a good day at the office, for Danny and his team, and the desired win, after two narrow defeats, the shape looked good at times, defence was strong and aggressive, it would have been nice to carve them open a bit more, but the team and certainly backline and still getting to know each other at times.
Unfortunately next three games for the first team are away, so no first team action to watch until sept 18th, will try and catch some 2nd team games over the next few weeks.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Cullumpton At Home
Woohoo, I can see live rugby at last, Barum at home in their latest friendly against Cullumpton.
It feels like far too long ago, I was standing next to some idiot at Brixham, giving him verbals for something I can't remember now!
Really looking forward to watching the guys play, pretty sure it will be in the old training match format of 20 minute sessions and loads of changes, but still get a view on some of the new signings and how pre season has gone.
Oh and I can actually write about what I set this blog up for!
It feels like far too long ago, I was standing next to some idiot at Brixham, giving him verbals for something I can't remember now!
Really looking forward to watching the guys play, pretty sure it will be in the old training match format of 20 minute sessions and loads of changes, but still get a view on some of the new signings and how pre season has gone.
Oh and I can actually write about what I set this blog up for!
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
What happens when you chase the dream a little too hard?
Anybody else surprised but not surprised about Launcestons predicament?
Launceston annouced late last night that they have filed for voluntary administration as they cannot agree a deal to pay HMRC what is owed.
The intention from what has been written, is to fold the old holding company for the Cornish All Blacks (CAB's) and restart immediately a new club, I guess in theory with the same players, sponsors, shirts and everything else - is this fair?
Without getting into a debate about paying back the tax, because that comes out of everybodys pocket, what does this say about competing at Tier 3, 2 levels above our selves, or 2 steps from the premiership if you look at it the other way, the CAB's have chased the dream over the last few years, being promoted to Championship for one year, playing Northampton (!) one week, Cornish pirates the next, but at what cost?
I have no idea how much is owed and the inference is that it is the previous management that run up the debts, but this could very possibly lead to the club being kicked out Nat 1, and dropped down to Cornwall 1, I am sure Veor and Redruth Albany will be pleased about this, but the CAB's many and very loyal supporters? It will probably mean a 5 point deduction, is that a deterrent to other clubs?
It does show how difficult it is to move up the leagues and not put yourself in this position, I am sure I read a report 2-3 years ago lauding how well CAB's were doing the good management they have put in place, the large crowds and the sustainability of the club due to the good commercial revenue being raised?
I would love to see Barnstaple playing at a higher level, it is why I put time into committee meetings and tuesday nights, one day we may have the structure, the players and finances to do it, but god forbid we ever do it by putting ourselves in trouble with the tax man
Launceston annouced late last night that they have filed for voluntary administration as they cannot agree a deal to pay HMRC what is owed.
The intention from what has been written, is to fold the old holding company for the Cornish All Blacks (CAB's) and restart immediately a new club, I guess in theory with the same players, sponsors, shirts and everything else - is this fair?
Without getting into a debate about paying back the tax, because that comes out of everybodys pocket, what does this say about competing at Tier 3, 2 levels above our selves, or 2 steps from the premiership if you look at it the other way, the CAB's have chased the dream over the last few years, being promoted to Championship for one year, playing Northampton (!) one week, Cornish pirates the next, but at what cost?
I have no idea how much is owed and the inference is that it is the previous management that run up the debts, but this could very possibly lead to the club being kicked out Nat 1, and dropped down to Cornwall 1, I am sure Veor and Redruth Albany will be pleased about this, but the CAB's many and very loyal supporters? It will probably mean a 5 point deduction, is that a deterrent to other clubs?
It does show how difficult it is to move up the leagues and not put yourself in this position, I am sure I read a report 2-3 years ago lauding how well CAB's were doing the good management they have put in place, the large crowds and the sustainability of the club due to the good commercial revenue being raised?
I would love to see Barnstaple playing at a higher level, it is why I put time into committee meetings and tuesday nights, one day we may have the structure, the players and finances to do it, but god forbid we ever do it by putting ourselves in trouble with the tax man
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Sutton Coldfield at Home
So first home game, didn't get to see, guilty of being at Longleat and stuck in infernal traffic on the A303 and M5, grrr holiday traffic truly sucks.
By all accounts they were massive and a big physical challenge for the team, and the whole squad was given a run out, so as an exercise for the new coaching staff to have a look at the squad it was a worthwhile exercise, plus about 300-400 people turned up to watch, which shows the interest in the club within Barnstaple!
They are off to Nuneaton next week who play at N2N, so will be another challenge, be very interesting to see how they do.
Have kept a eye on what the other teams in N3SW have been up to, unfortunately not a lot news on the local websites yet, but Exmouth have been busy, bringing Jon Hill in from Launceston and two or three others with him, Bridgwater are rebuilding from a pretty disastrous season last year, Hartbury will undoubtable be strong with another batch of top quality students and the others we shall see. Rumours abound but will wait to confirm some of those!
By all accounts they were massive and a big physical challenge for the team, and the whole squad was given a run out, so as an exercise for the new coaching staff to have a look at the squad it was a worthwhile exercise, plus about 300-400 people turned up to watch, which shows the interest in the club within Barnstaple!
They are off to Nuneaton next week who play at N2N, so will be another challenge, be very interesting to see how they do.
Have kept a eye on what the other teams in N3SW have been up to, unfortunately not a lot news on the local websites yet, but Exmouth have been busy, bringing Jon Hill in from Launceston and two or three others with him, Bridgwater are rebuilding from a pretty disastrous season last year, Hartbury will undoubtable be strong with another batch of top quality students and the others we shall see. Rumours abound but will wait to confirm some of those!
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Iranian Womens Rugby
http://zeldalily.com/index.php/2010/08/iranian-women%E2%80%99s-rugby-team-plays-in-veils-for-first-european-game/
I don't think I can add anything to that
I don't think I can add anything to that
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