So… woz on? The world issues are crazy at the mo and my chum the “Orange Buffoon” has surpassed himself with his latest antics in Venezuela. Saw a newspaper headline this morning which made me laugh out loud it read “Tyrant captured by lunatic”. I guess my laughter is slightly on the nervous side as it is very worrying for the whole world…It seems the new way of doing things does not include paying attention to any international laws at all and the new order is that “powerful thick bullies do exactly what they want”. For us I think we are in a very difficult position as we are the kid in the playground really not liking what the bully is doing but being too frightened to say anything in case he picks on us. The Americans somehow have to get rid of him as he’s destabilising the whole world order.

Anyway…. What’s that got to do with local rugby I hear you ask? Well… nuffin.. so I’ll get back to a safe topic and reflect on the previous games played since I last wrote.
I went over to Crediton just before Christmas to watch the firsts and I had half hoped to meet up with my chum Paul “Bomber” Harris. Unfortunately on talking to their Chairman I found out Paul was gravely ill in Hospital, which was a bit of a shock. It must be a year ago when I last spoke to him as he is the guru of community rugby and I was seeking some advice. At the time we were comparing illness’ but in his usual style he was upbeat. I also remember he came to one of our lunches last year in his capacity as the chairman of the Devon RFU. He was trying to get round to see all clubs to listen to grumbles etc which he did with his very friendly approach… Now to the point… unfortunately over the Christmas break I got news that he’d died which was a bit of a shock and very sad. His funeral is on the 16th Jan and I will go and represent the club and as a friend and as someone who was grateful for all the help and advice he has put our way over many years. On Saturday by way of respect all Devon clubs are doing a minutes silence in respect of all he did for local rugby…which was a lot! It’s fitting that we are playing Crediton in the second team game.
So….Back to the game it was nip n tuck and we won 22-19. They had lots of very good Colts bolstering their ranks as their game was called off. No complaints as that’s how it is and how nice to see them fitting into senior rugby so easily. The thing is, whilst they were quick about the park our big guns had the brawn in the set piece which denied them the ball a lot of the time a game for all sizes, anyway it was a contest for sure. I won’t mention the whistle man either still, this win meant we finished the year in 4th spot which is great for the club after a bit of a shaky start and all our injury woes.
The seconds had a great game at home on the same day and we just lost with a score in the final minute how gutting but an entertaining game by all accounts.
On to boxing day…. big thanks to Churchie for doing the bar and it was great to see a lot more younger players involved in what is really a family day to blow out Christmas cobwebs.
Then on to the New Year and another seconds game up at Torrington to be fair we were a tad light in numbers but we went which is a big plus. We lost pretty heavily but we did get on the score sheet several times. A credible effort to come away 50-22 losers.

On to this weekend … both teams are at home with the twos entertaining Crediton and the Ones welcoming South Molton who stole our win up at their place in the final minutes of that game…We want revenge! We welcome the Beer boys for a sponsors lunch which is for my Brother in law Simon Bartlett’s company who runs Beer self-drive motor boats from the beach. His mates are a good crowd and love a sing song so come on down and join in the fun.
I desperately hoping the weather behaves it’s self as the big enemy to rugby is frozen pitches, you just can’t play on concrete.

Sunday we have the restart of the junior games I’ve not heard were the games are yet but there will be some at home for sure.

Ok, other news I’m sorry to have to report one of our old boys and most keen supporter Malcolm Minifie has found himself in hospital following a bad fall just before Christmas. Everyone knows him as he has been an avid supporter forever away or home for many years. I popped in to seem him and whilst frustrated with his predicament he hopes to escape soon and get back to watching.

Now I think that’s about it for this week, hope to see you at the weekend. We might even have a new stand in place for those requiring seating!?

#UTT

Jez