Barum’s schedule for a historic rugby season

After all the drama of a thrilling title-winning success, pipping Brixham to promotion in a brilliant campaign, Barnstaple Rugby Club now know their schedule for a new season in National 2 West.

As well as some local battles with the likes of Exeter University, Taunton, Redruth and Cinderford, Barum also face some epic trips, including Chester, Lymm (near Warrington) and Syston Rugby Club in Leicester.

How these clubs are classed as being in the ‘West’ is another question, but all Barnstaple RFC fans will be thinking about is the incredible excitement of a new challenge, which starts at home to Old Redcliffians on Saturday, September 6.

The Full Fixture List
Sep 6 – Old Redcliffians (H) Sep 13 – Exeter University (A) Sep 20 – Hornets (H) Sep 27 – Taunton Titans (A) Oct 4 – Hinckley (H) Oct 11 – Cinderford (H) Oct 18 – Luctonians (A) Oct 25 – Chester (H) Nov 8 – Redruth (A) Nov 15 – Loughborough University (H) Nov 22 – Camborne (A) Dec 6 – Lymm (H) Dec 13 – Syston (A) Dec 20 – Exeter University (H) Jan 10 – Hornets (A) Jan 17 – Taunton Titans (H) Jan 24 – Hinckley (A) Jan 31 – Cinderford (A) Feb 14 – Luctonians (H) Feb 21 – Chester (A) Feb 28 – Redruth (H) Mar 14 – Loughborough University (A) Mar 21 – Camborne (H) Apr 11 – Lymm (A) Apr 18 – Syston (H) Apr 25 – Old Redcliffians (A)

Looking back on the previous season, as well as the Chiefs winning the Regional 1 West division and the Devon Senior Cup, Barnstaple Athletic were the Devon 2nd XV Cup winners and finished third in the Western Counties West.

In addition, Barnstaple Buccaneers won the Dave Butt Cup and were runners-up in the Merit Table, while Barum Colts finished as runners-up in the Devon Colts Cup.

While the excitement and enthusiasm is understandable at Pottington Road, officials from South Molton Rugby Club were faced with a serious repair job after vandalism to the rugby posts.

The club statement said: “Anyone that has any dealings with volunteer run organisations, knows just how much hard work and dedication goes into making everything run smoothly for the benefit of all.

“Our rugby club has over 200 juniors, a girls’ team, two senior sides and a vets team, so this mindless vandalism hurts even more when so many people are affected in a positive way by the club.

“Any information regarding this blatant disregard would be much appreciated. This is also at the pitch used mainly by the younger age groups.

“As a club we are now having to invest in measures to prevent this happening again. The thoughtlessness is astounding.

“If there are teenagers or young adults around that are bored and looking to be part of something rather than damage private property, come and join the rugby club, boxing club or local football clubs. You’d be made welcome, and better that than make enemies with the local community.”