You may remember this column on the past when Saltash had its “District Journal” Freebie paper and was a regular feature in the publication until its demise a few years ago. Various comments have arisen and this is an effort to resurrect what is aimed at being a summary of all things Rugby Wise in Saltash, (sometimes a little tongue in cheek) that the real world who aren’t on social media would be able to read, but only if they have the inter-web.

To the world at large, there is a lot going on in your town that you may not have been aware of. In case you wondered, you have a Rugby Club, which is doing rather well from the littlest under 7s up to the largest members of the senior 15.

Action last weekend commenced with the 1st XV, who put on a show to halt the Oaks from Plymstock's unbeaten home record this term. The way was led by left wing Will Morton, who himself scored 5 tries (1 more than the opposition) in addition to a try each from Club Captain Ryan Rayner, wing James “Mazza” Moriarty and Full Back Ryan Cruikshanks.

Our team are currently 2nd in the Cornwall and Devon League behind leaders Falmouth and are in a tussle for the 2nd spot with Paignton. The 2nd XV did not play this weekend due to a lack of players at Oaks to form a reserve XV.

Sunday saw our 7s to 10s away at Bude, most of which seemed to go well I am told. In the Under 7s, Coach Dave Ryland lauded player Seb, who stood his ground, listened to advice and made some great runs. Man of the match went to Ruben, who week after week grits his teeth (or his gum shield will fall out) gets stuck in and is a great overall player.

The Under 9s were also up north and Corey was awarded Man of the match for his commitment and work rate, while a different Reuben from the 7s man of the match upped his game and organised well.

We do rely on the talent from other nations to develop our players and our Under 10s are no exception with Craig Jones from the principality a more than admirable coach. Alongside is Dave Forbes, who is from England. Their squad is in fine form and in a one sided affair, scored a remarkable 15 tries. The hard yards were made by Laurie and Bosh, with some great tries coming from Luke Congdon and Will Forbes.

Up the age groups and the Under 16s were training, and in preparation for their Cornwall Cup Quarter Final, the reports I have seen appear to detail a selfie competition with who looks good in a scrum hat as the main feature. Good luck fellas.

Our Under 14s start to the new year came a cropper with a rare opportunity to play on the hallowed Moorlands Lane turf (mostly turf, although there is also a bit of mud), and it seems the occasion got to them a little as they were soundly beaten by a high tempo Bude outfit whose strong running and opportunism bamboozled our defence on a number of occasions. The lads were able to muster a try in each half from wing Brandon Chapman and skipper Will Kean late in the second half.

Not long now before the 6 nations commences and the conversations around the bar in the main are around who should lead England, how good will Scotland prove to be, and will Wales win anything at all? Who knows? But you will be able to find out at the shed (affectionate name for our clubhouse) should you want to check out the action.

Keep your eye on the league table…….. Charlie.