Can’t even go there with the Orange Buffoon anymore ….so I won’t! I will however say I enjoyed watching the rocket thing go up last night…. it’s just the jeopardy of will it blow up or won’t it! phew it didn’t.

So straight on to Rugger…. I was unfortunately unable to go to Topsham on Friday night to watch our twos under lights but from reports I’ve received there was a few watching this evening game. Whilst we did struggle a bit with the score line, reports back from Robbie said we did in parts, play well and the 52-19 score line didn’t really reflect the general pattern of play. One thing that was mentioned was their number 10 took a shot at goal from the halfway line when they were 52 up! He got a bit of ribbing from our supporters, I’m thinking we will see more of these local games moved to Friday night under light games.

On to Saturday… we had Jewson’s in for their Sponsors lunch and amongst the guest were several past captains and coaches so, great to see them having a good time and again thanks to all for being great supporters of the Ton.

So, on to the game. A very sunny day and a firm pitch…how things have changed in just a few weeks….There was a large crowd watching and our guest Ivybridge bought a fair few supporters as well to boost the ranks. I must say though, they were somewhat vocal in perhaps what I would say, was not a particularly sportsman like manner which did mean there was a slightly edgy atmosphere on the tough line. Their captain did apologise afterwards but I guess it’s the individuals who need to look at themselves if honest . Anyway, the game…. We had probably our best side out for a fair few weeks and we were also up against a team who have only won five games all season and are second to bottom in the league. So, on paper we should have won easily but it did seem slightly strange that they looked way better than their league positioning suggested and so much so, that in the first half, things were pretty even and it looked like this was going to very tricky fixture indeed and when we reached half time only 14-10 up despite us playing very well there was some concern from the Tonites who were watching.
Half time came and went and it was then our turn to use the slope and I have to say, the boys really changed gear as we took control of all facets of the game right from the off and we produced probably our best half of rugby of the season which was greeted with many a cheer from the home supporters. We ran in several tries and should have had two more in my book. Heyho, we got the bonus point as well and won by 43-15 which keeps us in 2nd place with 3 games left to play. It must be said Devonport look beyond catching but second is a clear goal. Just for info… Devonport have 82pts Honiton have 73, Bideford have 70, Topsham 69 and South Molton are on 63 with 15pts on offer to all. I will also mention we have to play both Bideford and Topsham away so it’s gonna be tough run in.

Sunday and junior rugby day… lots of junior games as Stuart the Junior chair informs me. The 7’s 8’s and 9’s all had good games against Topsham. He went on to say he thinks the 10’s had a narrow defeat but with tries being scored on a tit for tat basis he just wasn’t sure. The 11’s beat South Molton at home comfortably but also sent another team over to Exeter Athletic to help them out with a game against a club from Leicestershire called Systons who were on tour but didn’t have anyone to play. We lost narrowly 5-3 and reports say they were very good. The 12’s struggled against a strong Tops outfit. The 13’s narrowly won at Bridport. The 14’s played South Molton and lost. The 15’s played Bude who were on tour it was a good advert for boys rugby, we just lost but they were good fun and all had funny touring hats afterwards and they all played several “after” rugby games in the club house which was funny to watch. The 16’s narrowly lost to OPO which was a shame.

Ok… on to Sunday afternoon. Chris Baily very kindly came down the club and using rollers leant to us from his mate Tom Fry who owns Straitgate farm in Ottery he used his tractor to pull the heavy rollers up and down the pitches to get rid of all the bumps n lumps. This hasn’t been done for years and is a great to get this help as we try to look after the pitches ready for the summer.

I also need to mention, the very successful quiz night Josh ran and it sounds like everyone really enjoyed it as it was a bit different. I know it was a few weeks ago but Jesse one of our supporters felt it was a bit remiss of me for not mentioning it! so… it’s done and everyone is looking forward to the next one.

Ok that’ll do me thinks.. No rugger this weekend as it’s the Easter break for both Seniors and Juniors and we will all reconvene in a weeks’ time. I do remember Easter being manic for rugby, Friday evening touring game, Saturday normal fixture’ Sunday another touring side and if you were really unlucky an end of tour morning game on Monday… Then recover for the rest of the week with very limited moving ability! It was bonkers.

#UTT

Jez