Well it’s a change of author this week, with Peasant Churchward taking over from the self-proclaimed ‘Lord Jez’ who is abroad. Rumour has it he tried to enter America, but customs over there have been briefed on his hatred for the ‘orange buffoon’ and turned him away. Personally, I think a few months in Alcatraz would serve him well. He has left me in charge of a busy week so I will swerve left (much like Jez’s political views) of the politics chat and move on the important stuff. Although saying that, the stock markets have gone crazy this week, I just paid £10 for a Oxo cube!!

Let’s start with the so-called professionals, with England suffering their first loss to Italy in the six nations. Clearly there is a tactical issue here, but I think we should just pay credit to the Italians who have brought up their level in recent years and deserved their win. I managed to go out there two years ago and it is a great experience (ask me about Nick Guilbert at the Trevi Fountain next time you see me), so I’m sure those who went over got over the loss quickly. The real winners though were Easyjet who added a few extra 00’s to their weekend flights to Rome. Scotland humbled France which makes this week really interesting. I think we may have a tough time in Paris but you never know. And no Karin from Exeter Chiefs Supporters Club, Henry Slade is not the answer to all our problems!!

On to more important matters, local rugby. The ones went down to Withycombe, which is always a tough place to go, and lost out by a few points to end our unbeaten run. I do believe in clubs having ‘bogey sides’ and Withycombe are definitely one of ours. I wasn’t there and heard rumours of a few potential tries being given as held up (a constant theme this year), but by all accounts, they deserved the win. I was advised not to call a visibly fuming Head Coach Steve after the game for a debrief, which I think was wise. Apparently there were scenes of cars being set on fire in Awliscombe that evening. You can take the man out of Birmingham….

The twos hosted Withycombe twos at home with a few months without a game. We lent them 4 or 5 to get it a 15 on 15 game, and a good game it was. Honiton had a sizeable lead, Coach Harrison made a few switches, with our players who moved over not fully getting the brief of not scoring for the opposition, which made it squeaky bum time near the end, but we held on for the victory.

Wednesday saw our very first game under the new lights, where the twos, with a few vets and returning first teamers, hosted Devon Deaf. A thrilling game ended 50-46 to us, with some heavy blows traded throughout the game, which in truth no one really wanted at work Thursday morning. It was great to host this event and opens the doors to more evening games, and thanks to Devon Deaf for travelling over, we wish you well for the rest of the season. I believe Simon Lancaster made the initial contact so thanks for setting up. Could someone please check on Tom White, who at the age of 52 has played 160 minutes in 5 days, in his usual full on no holds barred approach. Fun fact, Tom White used to be a wrestler, and he would get a guy in a headlock and write his name on their forehead. It was his signature move!!

This weekend the firsts host Dartmouth, who sit bottom of the league. This is one of the several rearranged games but the weather is looking ok. We left South Devon earlier in the season with a heavy victory, but they have recruited since so it should be a good game, with the ones looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing result. Kick off will be 2.30, and all the six nations game will be on at the club into the evening.

Juniors info from Stuart Perry

It was a good day at the club on Sunday and big thanks to Henry and Grace for managing the kitchen. The 11s kicked off up top with a nail biting game against a very strong Paignton team which finished 5-5 finished. The 12s played Wiveliscombe and we lent them 3 players. They were a great bunch of boys but turned up with 9. It was a tight game but we ran out with a tight win.

The 14s also played Wiveliscombe, who had a few giant players. Every week I watch our boys, we have some good hands showing rugby played properly often looking to spin it wide. Although having a few big boys crashing through it doesn't make a better "team". The 15s were the stand out game at home against a strong Withycombe team who we lost heavily to at the start of season.... we won 43-12. The boys were on fire this time! The 16s were away to Crediton, a bit light on numbers but came away with a small loss, 20-15. As Simon Lancaster said they didn't really deserve it as were the better team for long periods but a good even battle.

The 13s were away at Somerton and the boys played great and a notable couple of tries for Charlie Richards on his debut. We have some new players and they are really growing and blending into the team well. Half of the 11s were at Somerton also, collecting a well deserved win 18-2 lead by Rory Biggins

The 10s 9s 8s and 7s were also away to Somerton. It was a long journey for the young ens but well worth it. It was played on some perfect pitches and our teams came out well on top. Top marks to all our coaches for preparing our players so well!

I think it’s great to see so many young kids out playing sport on a weekend. When I was a kid, people used to cover me in chocolate and cream, then put a cherry on my head. Life was tough in the Gateau!!

Next week it's the week to pamper all our amazing mothers that take all our kids to rugby week in week out! Rain or shine!! Have a great weekend off!

If you still reading this, we also have our quiz this Friday night, hosted by Josh Rice. There are still a few tables going so come on down, even if it is just a few of you, and we can make some teams up. There are some serious prizes on offer and should be a good evening. I actually won an Amazon voucher at a quiz last year so I bought the book “How to scam people online”. It still hasn’t arrived yet.

Churchy