So, woz on?…well…Still trying to resist ranting about the world and political events, so I’m switching to religion now and I’m enjoying the pictures of the new Jesus Christ! I think I recognise him, not sure where but I’ve seen him before.

So Saturday… a visit to Topsham was the order of the day and kindly driven by my chum Jules, we arrived nice an early so we could have a pint. They as a club have had a meteoric rise in fortunes with their Ones very much in the hunt to get promoted to the National leagues if they win the next game.
Our opponents, their Twos, thumped Exeter Sarries 95-5 in their last outing so for us, this was very much a “banana skin” game. Prior to the kick off with two games left, Devonport were uncatchable on 77pts, we had 68, Bideford 65 and Topsham had 64. So it was still all to play for the second slot.
We played on their second team pitch which was less than ideal and it was like playing on concrete and our poor linesman was struggling to see as a strong wind was blowing the dust cloud from the rutting players right in his direction all game.
The game…We started brightly and scored an early try which was pleasing but it didn’t stop there and we added a couple more and by then we were clearly on top as we bullied proceedings and to be fair, we just looked far stronger in every department. We also had a super sub in a certain Mr Hannay, our player coach form those big cup days a few years back and his impact from the bench saw us change gear again. His first carry was, putting it politely, “very robust” and he steam rolled one of their defenders who tried to stop him and he unfortunately, had to leave the field as they scraped him off the concrete dust bowl. On it went and frankly they just capitulated. We scored several more tries but if I’m being critical we weren’t as clinical as we were in the first half and we could have scored more but I guess when the opposition appear to give up you tend to lose the killer instinct and don’t think “team scores”. The game came to a sad end as their coach asked the ref to call it early to save them more damage. The final score was 46-0 with several minutes left to play. I was moaning a bit afterwards as back in my day, no matter how bad the kicking was, you still finished the game for a bit of pride. Heyho.

I did put out a note for some feedback on Sundays games but it’s not been forthcoming so I ain’t chasing I just haven’t got the time… sorry.

Woz next…Ah! Yes, I must remember Saturday mornings activities … big thanks to the guys who turned up to help bit of confusion re times but clearing up out the back commenced. I’ll give our helpers a big shout as it was much appreciated… So… thanks to Inky, Dave and Tom Vallander, Adam Smith and Andy Duckett (a new Tonite supporter) who just wanted to help and help he did! Our chair Chris Gould was also there and he was worryingly armed with a chainsaw, he was given a wide birth. Unfortunately we’ve now got a lot to get rid of somehow. Hopefully this tidy up will mean the “clipboard” bods will be ok when they visit. Anyone got a trailer to help with a tip run?

A few notices …. The Dinner and Dance date is now up. It’s on the 12th June at Coldharbour field kitchen in Ottery… this is a first at this venue. If you want to go… Jonny House or Finn Parratt are your men to ask for tickets. There’s a poster on our website and it’s also on the clubs Facebook page which has all the details. The more we get to come the better it is… it’s in June so weather should be nice.

Next…After a lot of shenanigans and lots of no/yessing the Devon Junior cup final date has been fixed and is defiantly on the 9th May against Exeter Sarries… the venue has been switched to Topsham’s pitch which is great news as it’s now on a neutral ground. One for your diary as it should be a good day. We’ve won this competition 6 times and twice we did it 3 times on the trot Once back in the 30’s and the other time in the early 90’s…. I’ll check my facts on this as I’m not 100% sure on the dates I’ll mention it more before the big day.

Another thanks … this time it’s for Joe Douglas who has been helping Jules with the social meja stuff and some of his clips are get a heck of a lot of views… the “steam roller” incident is one such clip that’s been looked at a lot.

Right … Saturday…. It’s a biggy it’s Giles Bamburger’s infamous lunch and for those who don’t know, Giles is one of our ex-players and he has been doing his lunch for many a year and he raises a lot of money for the club, combined with a split donation that goes to Hospiscare. He does a lot of work prior to the day to get local companies to sponsor their lunches and they in turn all help raise much needed funds. I’ve been given a list of who they all are and a lot of names you will recognise all of whom are great supporters of our little, old, humble club. They are; Stages Estate agents, Lockyer Agri, David Shillam Contracting, AS Builders, DSD Tyres, Pearce Seeds, D Selway construction, Tackle Finance, R &D Machinery, M Salter, MST Auctions and Blamphayne Sawmills. He’s also managed to get a chiefs shirt to auction but no ordinary shirt as its one signed by all the players and was from the season where they won the double a few years back, we’ve had a bid of £100 already but if you want to put a sealed bid in send an email to our chair Chris Gould with your bid. Giles and his helpers also raise a fair bit of dosh on the day as well…. So, we thank him and his chums for frankly keeping us going.

As for the game, this will be our last home outing at the fortress and it’s against Crediton ko is at 3pm, as it should be when the clocks goes back. We had a close encounter with their team at theirs so it should be a good game. As we obliterated one of our challenges last weekend we need a win this one to go into our last away game against Bideford with a “winner takes all type match” (well… second place play off). Forecast is looking ok for Saturday… so come on down, it’s always a fun busy day…and your quaffing whilst watching all helps with beer sales.

Sunday juniors are still full boar and James Vince has been pulling his hair out over the fixtures but… I think this is it…It’s festival weekend for a few teams the (9’s go to Totnes. The11’s are at Kingsbridge and the 13’s are at Tivvy. Then we also have matches the 8’s 10’and 12’s are playing at home v Athletic. The 14’s are away to Plymouth Arguam, The 15’s are home agains a touring side called Bedwas and the 16’s follow them against Crewkerne. Busy busy at Tonsville.

That’ll do… so #UTT

Lord Jez