Match Preview

2nd Place Saints Travel to Crediton RFC this Saturday.

Crediton RFC lays some 7 miles North West of Exeter and was founded in 1876. It runs 3 senior teams along with ladies, girls and the full spread of Youth age grades. It plays its rugby at Exhibition Road (EX17 1EP if you are planning to travel) and it’s a good 15-20 minute walk from the train station but there are hostelries along the route to revive you.

On the whole their form has been pretty good, holding the position one above the Saints for most of the season so far until last week when they faltered against Sidmouth and they swapped league places with the Saints. In fact it’s easier to say where they haven’t done so well than list the wins. They drew 22 all against Falmouth at Falmouth and lost 40-nil against Sidmouth last Saturday. On the whole they have been scoring lots of tries either home or way although they were taken to the wire at Exhibition Road by Wellington and Kingsbridge nicking them by a point each time.

Let’s briefly look at what happened last week to them. From the match report they started strongly although missing kickable penalties. Sidmouth then struck virtually under the posts but missed the conversion. Crediton then piled on the pressure 5m from the Sidmouth line line but they managed to clear and their rapid chasers got the bounce and they ran it in. From there it seemed to go downhill for Crediton on the whole. The important ‘take’ from last week’s game is that this probably won’t be the side we will face. It was weakened by absences and illness. They had to field two forwards in the backs and 12 forwards on the field in total! They’ll be hoping for recoveries and returns and they will want to exorcise the demon that was last Saturday using us as the vehicle…

Saints on the other hand fielded a more standard side with Liam Freeman returning to the bench and Jack Grigg retaining his no.6 shirt. Fraser Nottle also deservedly held his place after his superb performance at Penryn. The talent on the Saints bench last week reflects the problem Kyle Marriott has with selection with a growing talent pool at Tregorrick Park. The Sinners are putting in great performances at home and away, up and coming players all straining at the leash for a slot in the 1st XV.

Saints disposed of Chard who continued their poor away form in the 1st half with 3 unanswered tries and some deft kicking in gusty conditions by Cav Boyer. The try of the match was after a break from the Saints twenty-two led by George Tregilgas. It was finished by Cav Boyer who picked up the optimistic pass back from a tiring Tregilgas. Cav chipped and chased to pounce on the bobbling ball to raucous cheers from the stands.

Crediton will want to demonstrate to their strong home following that last week’s defeat was more down to lack of availability. Saints will be cautiously buoyant after a decent home win and a climb of one place in the league. This 2nd v 3rd place fixture is one of those double pointers that is worth travelling for if you are able.

Just after Tuesday training Head Coach and No.8 Kyle Marriott tells us, ‘With our bonus point win at home last weekend we feel we are back on the right track in the league. The cup break allowed us to build some confidence and try some difference combinations which followed through to the Chard win. Going away to Crediton this weekend will prove a huge challenge with them looking to start a new winning run after disappointment last Saturday, all be it with an under-strength side. It is a hotly anticipated game at the top of the table but also one I am looking forward to on a personal level as I return to the club I started playing rugby at. Even with that in mind I am hopeful we can put in a performance that will give us a chance of getting a victory and no doubt the traveling support will be with us. COYS!’

League leaders Sidmouth have a healthy 6 point lead at the top of WCW with only a draw (against Truro) tarnishing their perfect record. This Saturday they travel to Falmouth who have experienced solid results and form at their ground so we live in hope that they can slow down Sidmouth a bit for us!

Finally the club is open for the England v Australia fixture on the TV’s this Saturday from 2.15pm. This promises to be a captivating fixture with England, based on their Autumn results to date, being marginal favourites. All are welcome to come up and watch if you’re not following the Saints to Crediton, Sinners to Camborne or Colts to Newquay!

Yours in Rugby

Ian Grantham

Parish Notices

RFU Grand Draw - Its on! First prize is 10k in cash and a multitude of other great prizes. Each Youth player has been given 2 x books to sell. If you sell them and can manage some more then please ask your TM's or contact Clair Grantham direct. For every ticket we sell for £1 the club gets to keep 85p of it. This year we desperately need to buy new tables for the club house...The more functions we attract the more cash we can spend on equipment and keeping fees down so please do try to sell some tickets! They are available from behind the bar. Senior players should have them from Neil Grigg. Rhian Roberts is looking after them from the Supporters perspective. Please please please sell some and get your money and stubs back into one of the names above asap. Details HERE. Thanks in advance!!!

100 club –You can still join…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!

Club Shop – Christmas is nearly upon us and the age old problem of what to buy for who looms. Our club shop can help you in this area! Chris stocks loads of stocking fillers for people of all ages and up until the end of November can pretty much order any of his bigger items in time for the big day. Of note the club cuff links are now in stock (But only approx. 14 pairs left) and they are brilliant for just £15. More details are HERE.

Pre-Match Lunches – HAVE TOTALLY SOLD OUT! If we get any cup home games (no luck so far this season but we live in hope) then we will quickly run a list to see who wants to come and if sufficient support is available we will run a lunch. Aside from that for the sold out lunches we are running a reserve list. We always seem to get a few drop outs closer to the time at this time of the year due to illness etc so get your name down with Tich today. He’s available on sardineslayer@hotmail.co.uk. More details are HERE.

Ale and Cider Fest 2019 – Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April. Get this in your diaries. An expanded event from previous years involving more live music and a broader range of drinks incl. Craft Gins and Proseccos’. More details to follow after Christmas but for now block this out and make it a date! Want to sponsor either the Friday night or Saturday afternoon and evening session? We are putting together a really good package for anyone business that want to take a greater part in Ale and Cider Fest 19. Contact our Sponsorship manager Julie on juliewhite58@btopenworld.com.

Youth Section Christmas parties – Older Players Xmas party is on 7th December 7pm-1030pm. Tickets available from Kelly Schulz (Kelly.schulz@sky.com). Disco, Karaoke, refreshments and more. Tickets only £3 and they are selling fast! Details HERE.
Younger players party is on Sunday 9th December 2-5pm. Each child will get to see the real Father Christmas who has agreed to make an early visit and they he is bringing a gift for each of them. Fun, games, snacks and more. £2 per child. Parents do not need a ticket. Details HERE.