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.
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