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.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
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
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
First home game of the season
Am a bit gutted to be missing this Saturdays game at home to Sutton Coldfield, new coach new style, some new players (?) but still it is only pre season. Very good friends wedding in Basingstoke (!) if you are interested.
Is pre season worth it, I read one clubs website who are playing 1 friendly as they injured so many players last year, the grounds are rock solid, players have only been training for what 5 weeks?
I will be trying to get, a result / how did we play report from someone on Saturday afternoon and will I be disappointed if we lose, of course.
I guess my posts are going to be a bit random for a while before the season really kicks off, I will hopefully get some insight from the team over the next couple of weeks and look at the opposition for the season, some interesting teams in the mix, and will be very interesting to see who does well, apart from Hartbury of course.
Is pre season worth it, I read one clubs website who are playing 1 friendly as they injured so many players last year, the grounds are rock solid, players have only been training for what 5 weeks?
I will be trying to get, a result / how did we play report from someone on Saturday afternoon and will I be disappointed if we lose, of course.
I guess my posts are going to be a bit random for a while before the season really kicks off, I will hopefully get some insight from the team over the next couple of weeks and look at the opposition for the season, some interesting teams in the mix, and will be very interesting to see who does well, apart from Hartbury of course.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Why I Love Rugb y
Why do I love Rugby
Why do I get so excited by the thought of another season standing on the side lines in all weathers, trying to get the best view, wondering what on earth the ref is seeing, getting in the stand quick when the rain comes in, wondering where on earth my son has run off to this time, distracting me from the game and why oh why can't Barum win every game and stop me going home on Saturday night in a bad mood.
I blame Jonathan Hunt, if you are out there anywhere, mate it is all your fault, 10 years old and following your mate down to rugby on Sunday morning and coming under the watchful gaze of the local legend Chris Drayton. 7 years I played under his coaching, captain for about 4 of those, going from a season where we didn't win a game to U-16s winning the Devon championship against Newton Abbot who had been our fiercest rivals for years, and to be honest we gave them a lesson in running rugby. ( I still have the Journal Cutting )
Unfortunately I will always blame my injury prone body on having my attention turned by wine women and song at 18, and not returning to my first love until I was 25. I never developed the sheer strength and bulk that playing continously gives you.
My major ambition was always to play 1st team rugby for Barnstaple, because when I was junior it always seemed such an impossible task. I trained like crazy for a year, always there on tuesday and thursday and going to the gym for the other nights. Playing second team rugby starting on the wing, feeling as green as green, first senior game away at Exeter University, Jim Hudson shouting at half time there a bunch of kids we should be beating them, which we did eventually when Gammo stole my try.
That 2nd team was bloody impressive that year, Steve Southworth captaining when he wasn't being dragged back up to the 1st team, Chuggy pulling the strings in midfield, Andy Gubb and Mike Sloman regularly guesting. Under the watchful eye of Max Faulkner and the Peter 'imagine a happy place' Wright, we recorded famous wins away at Launceston against there second string, well famous for the mass pile involving subs, spectators and the Ref abandoning the game, only to be convinced by Steve to come back out and my match winning try, big thanks to Rusty for smashing there centre so hard the ball squirted out and I made it to the corner just in time!
TBC, if anybody is interested!
Why do I get so excited by the thought of another season standing on the side lines in all weathers, trying to get the best view, wondering what on earth the ref is seeing, getting in the stand quick when the rain comes in, wondering where on earth my son has run off to this time, distracting me from the game and why oh why can't Barum win every game and stop me going home on Saturday night in a bad mood.
I blame Jonathan Hunt, if you are out there anywhere, mate it is all your fault, 10 years old and following your mate down to rugby on Sunday morning and coming under the watchful gaze of the local legend Chris Drayton. 7 years I played under his coaching, captain for about 4 of those, going from a season where we didn't win a game to U-16s winning the Devon championship against Newton Abbot who had been our fiercest rivals for years, and to be honest we gave them a lesson in running rugby. ( I still have the Journal Cutting )
Unfortunately I will always blame my injury prone body on having my attention turned by wine women and song at 18, and not returning to my first love until I was 25. I never developed the sheer strength and bulk that playing continously gives you.
My major ambition was always to play 1st team rugby for Barnstaple, because when I was junior it always seemed such an impossible task. I trained like crazy for a year, always there on tuesday and thursday and going to the gym for the other nights. Playing second team rugby starting on the wing, feeling as green as green, first senior game away at Exeter University, Jim Hudson shouting at half time there a bunch of kids we should be beating them, which we did eventually when Gammo stole my try.
That 2nd team was bloody impressive that year, Steve Southworth captaining when he wasn't being dragged back up to the 1st team, Chuggy pulling the strings in midfield, Andy Gubb and Mike Sloman regularly guesting. Under the watchful eye of Max Faulkner and the Peter 'imagine a happy place' Wright, we recorded famous wins away at Launceston against there second string, well famous for the mass pile involving subs, spectators and the Ref abandoning the game, only to be convinced by Steve to come back out and my match winning try, big thanks to Rusty for smashing there centre so hard the ball squirted out and I made it to the corner just in time!
TBC, if anybody is interested!
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