Match Preview

Bideford Rugby Club was founded in 1926 by players who originated from Barnstaple RFC. It was the beginning of a long sporting rivalry between the clubs. Bideford played at Victoria Park until 1929 eventually moving in 1969 to King George's Field. They were relegated from SW1 into Western Counties West (WCW) league last season and they still maintain 3 senior teams, ladies and just like us a hoard of Youth teams.

I don’t think it’s unfair to say that it hasn’t gone as well as Bideford may have hoped for so far this season in WCW. The opening day saw them face other new-boys Winscombe who dispatched them in bonus point style. They faired a little better against Chard (only a 17 point difference) then hit the brick wall that is Crediton a week after. They came close against Falmouth and Kingsbridge before they travelled to Paignton and came away empty handed. They so nearly got that elusive first win against Saltash at home but were pipped by just 3 points. Their last game was against league leaders Sidmouth and some would have been thinking about damage limitation but actually the score line suggests a credible fight, keeping it to 29-13. Still it’s been a rough first 2 months in WCW and they have 3 points to show for all that blood, sweat and tears with no wins from eight fixtures. They will be sore, wound up and ready to hand it out to someone in the near future.

Saints on the other hand have strung together 5 wins since their only defeat so far of the season to Sidmouth at Tregorrick back on 15th September. They now sit 3rd after defeating Wellington last Saturday and snatching a late bonus point, putting a little day light between themselves and 4th place.

The Saints defensive record to date this season should be lauded at this point. Only 2nd place Crediton has a better ‘points against’ of just 86 with Saints weighing in next with 98. That’s an average of 12.25 points scored against Saints per game so far! Last season the average score against Saints over 26 games was 17 points and St Ives were runaway WCW Champions with an average of just over 18. Defence this tight should reap rewards come season end and this Saturday offers an opportunity to maintain this defensive focus. This fixture made me think of a time when I was training to be an offshore yacht skipper...In a storm when I had the rest of the crew either attached to the boat or downstairs out of the way my instructor asked me if this was the time of greatest risk of a man over board. I replied yes as I held on by my teeth. He replied 'actually more go over on calm seas as they aren't being as careful and their guards are down.' Wise words then and something to think about when we travel to teams that appear to be under-performing.

Head Coach Kyle Marriott’s echo's my view after Tuesday training: “After the high of last week’s bonus point win against near league rivals Wellington we have a very different proposition this Saturday. Bideford are a team who have struggled so far this season but looking a little closer at their results and I can see a possible danger. It will be a huge mental test for us, away games always are, and it is important for us to focus on our own performance rather than that of the opposition.

Some of the boys looked noticeably battered and bruised after the Wellington game last Saturday and this amplifies exactly how much they put on the line each week when they pull on a Saints shirt. It’s 67 miles from Tregorrick Park to King Georges Field and it would be great for the players to see some friendly faces up there on Saturday and don’t forget we are now into 2.30pm kick offs for league fixtures. Travel if you can…If you can’t then Sinners are facing Bodmin at Tregorrick on Pitch 1. We are also showing the England v South Africa Autumn International on the TV’s which starts at 3pm and you are all most welcome to join us at either venue.

LATE CALL – Sinners have picked up a fixture under lights against HMS Seahawk (RNAS Culdrose) at Tregorrick tonight (Wednesday 31/10). 7.30pm kick off. A great opportunity to not dread the door knocking dozens of times with trick or treaters and to watch some rugby instead!

Parish Notices

Quilter Autumn Internationals – We are showing all the England games and any others we can on the big tellys whether Saints are at home or not.

• 3rd Nov – England v South Africa 3pm
• 10th Nov – England v New Zealand – 3pm
• 17th Nov – England v Japan – 3pm
• 24th Nov – England v Australia – 3pm

100 club – The forms are being processed as I type and the draw is imminent (we underestimated the time it takes…sorry). You can still join though…Your number will be assigned in the next month’s draw. Feeding funds into purely rugby activities will put us in a strong position in Cornish rugby and it will future proof us against volunteer shortages and experience gaps. The fund that we intend to place the money in is explained HERE. The form that you can print off before hand is HERE. Please get behind this…3 cash prizes a month once we get it up and running but it needs your support!

Family Prize Bingo – Friday 9th November. Only about 10 tickets left. We have beer, wine, chocolates, a breakfast box, vouchers, games, gifts ideal for Xmas and much much more as prizes and they are still coming in. Its going to be lots of laughs (priceless Cornish interpretations of bingo calling available on the night) again. If you want some and don’t know how to get them either tap a club officer on the shoulder or email st_austellrfc@outlook.com and if there are any left we’ll reserve them for you. More details are HERE. TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA JENNYS FOOD HATCH THIS SUNDAY MORNINGOR SEE KELLY SCHULZ.

Cufflinks – Chris the Shop Manager has ordered a batch of Saints cufflinks and they are being delivered this week. The cost will be £15 and ideal for the man who is difficult to buy for this Christmas. Pop in and have a look… the first batch is for 25 and they won’t last long.

Pre-Match Lunches – ONLY 21 spaces left for the whole of this season. 10 left on 2nd March and 11 left on 23rd March. Get your names to Tich quickly if you want one of these last spaces. He’s available on sardineslayer@hotmail.co.uk. More details are HERE.