So after what seemed like an age, Totnes chiefs had finely got to the first league game of the new season, and would be playing Crediton who were last years runners up in the fight for promotion from the Devon and Cornwall league.

This was unknown territory for the coaching staff and team players alike, and so with much anticipation the players took to Borough Park. Many of the clubs supporters turned up to watch under sunny skies and a brisk easterly breeze.

Head Coach Harries had a full squad to pick from, and the advantage of seeing everyone in action over the past two weekends in pre-season friendlies. Captain for the second season, Lex Keen led out his side to welcome applause from the local supporters.
Crediton kicked off into the breeze and did well to recover the ball, and launched their first attack down the right hand side of the park, but Totnes did well to snuff out the attack with some strong tackling in midfield from new boy Tom Martin and Reece Smith in the centres. Play continued around the Totnes 22 area, and Crediton were awarded a kickable penalty following an infringement at a ruck, this was converted to give Crediton the narrowest of leads.

Totnes soon had the opportunity to make amend after some promising forays in to the opponents half, when Chris Hooper playing at ~Hooper had a penalty kick at goal, unfortunately his first attempt sailed wide of the uprights. Two minutes later when faced with a similar opportunity he made no mistake and blasted the ball through to level the scores.
Totnes were the quicker side to settle, and more than held their own in the early scrimmages and line outs. Some well taken line outs and aggressive rucking and mauling saw them spend time in the opposition half, often stretching the Crediton defence out of shape giving themselves some scoring opportunities. Following a couple of close attempts Fly Half Andy Rive received quick ball from Scrum Half Mark Hooper from a ruck near the Crediton try line, and muscled his way over for the first try of the afternoon. Chris Hooper having now found his kicking boots made no mistake with the extra two pint conversion.
Hooper had another successful penalty attempt, a few minutes later and the score increased to 13-3 with 20 minutes played. Crediton worked hard to defend against a Totnes side that were enjoying their rugby and working hard to find another score. In a rare breakout from their own half Crediton managed to secure another penalty just outside the Totnes 22, and their fly half made no mistake and banged over the ball for n another three points.
From the restart Totnes once again drove the ball forward, using their powerful back row trio of Hamilton, Horrocks and Alex Smith to punch holes in the Crediton defence.  This was backed up by the remaining forwards being on hand to secure quick clean ruck ball for Hooper to distribute out to his backs. It was from a probing attacking down the middle that Rive picked up a low ball on his fingertips to find Smith steaming up alongside him like a freight train, a defy flip of the ball and Smith was away, scything through the Crediton defence and scoring behind the posts, giving the Totnes fullback the simplest of conversions.

With only a few minutes left in the half Totnes were once again in a good field position on their opponents 22 facing a Crediton scrum, a good shove from the Totnes pack had Crediton moving backwards, flanker Horrocks pressured the scrum half into a loose pass which was bobbled by the Crediton fly half, this was all snipping Totnes scrum half Hooper need, who deftly nudged the ball forward with his foot, then controlled it to touch down for a well taken opportunistic try, which was once again converted by his brother, giving Totnes a 27 point to 6 lead at the break.
The start of the second half saw the wise old Crediton side start playing a different tactic by slowing the ball down and keeping the ball within the forwards, starving the potent attacking plan that Totnes had used to such good effect in the first half. The first 15 minutes of the half saw a Crediton pack secure ball and well placed kicking from their fly half saw field position appear for them where it had not in the first half. Stout resolute defence did Totnes proud, but Crediton were certainly tiring out the Totnes side.

Coach harries bought on new blood, replacing debutante Tom Edmonds in the front row, having played an extremely impressive 60 minutes in his first game for the Chiefs. Wiley campaigner Tim Woodward took his place at tight head prop and Ash Hill also came on for another debutant performer in the shape of Kieron Watts who also impressed playing alongside skipper Keen at lock.

Crediton also rang in the changes bringing on ex Devon Prop and now Crediton Coach Wayne Read into the front row. Continued pressure from the visitors saw them creep ever closer to the Totnes line, and from a solid scrum their No 8 crashed over for the simplest of scores, which was converted by the Crediton fly half keeping his 100% kicking record intact.

Totnes battled gamely and when they could wrestle the ball away from the Crediton pack looked dangerous with ball in hand, but all too often they were unable to break out of their own half. Continued dominance in the scrum saw Crediton take another 5 point try with a few minutes remaining in the game, but Totnes Chiefs had down enough to secure a wonderful victory, one which will have the rest of the division taking note of the New Boys from Totnes!

Next week Totnes Chiefs will be looking to continue their success and will be on the road with a long trip down to Falmouth in Cornwall. There will be a coach for players and spectators alike, which will be leaving the clubhouse at 10 am sharp on Saturday morning, everyone welcome.

Team Squad for match.
Back Row L-R: Nigel Jarvis (Fitness Coach) Gareth Harries (Head Coach), Reece Smith, Jerry Hamilton, Callum Browse, Tim Martin, Andy Rive, Kieron Watts, Tim Woodward, Tom Edmonds, Alan Foot (Backs Coach, Mike Edmonds (Vice Chairman)
Front Row L-R: Chris Hooper, Chris Life, Mike Hoorocks, Ash Hill, Dan Janman, Kex Keen (Captain), Alex Smith, Jake Orchard, Stephen Blackie, Jo Fahey (physio) Mark Hooper.

Totnes Chiefs travelled down to Salcombe for their second warm up game of the season. Both sides had already agreed that the match would be used as an opportunity to play the game over 4 twenty minute quarters, which would allow both coaches to try various combinations of players during the match.

Gareth Harries the Totnes Chiefs Head Coach had already drawn up a starting XV loosely based on the most successful combinations form the previous weeks fixture against Kingsbridge. Competition from last years first team squad, new players and second team players were all eager to being in the first session.

Totnes were the stronger of the two sides straight form the off, running in a number of tries from planned set pieces and loose play. New Centre Tim Martin showing up strongly in the centre, ably supported out side by Reece Smith and his two wingers, Shakey Orchard and Dan Janman. The other Smith brother Alex was a constant thorn in Salcombes' side with some strong running from the base of the scrum and some good defensive work alongside Kiwi signing Mike Horrocks, who seemed to thrive on the close contact situations.

Half time saw some sweeping changes for the Totnes side, with full scale substitutions taking place in the forwards and most of the back division, giving some of the up and coming talent the chance to shine, with Dan Grierson Jackson having a crack a the scrum half birth for the first time. This was another opportunity to see some of the more regular second team players run through their passes, and pleasingly for Coach Harries after two final twenty minute sessions the second string side had managed to keep score with the Salcombe side on try count and showed some promising attacks and heart felt defence

Next week Totnes will be starting the season proper with their first league game of the season at home to Credition, who narrowly missed out on promotion from the Devon and Cornwall league in the previous season. This match will be held on Borough Park with a 3pm kick off. Meanwhile the second XV get their campaign under way with an away trip to Cullompton, again with a 3pm kick off.

Totnes Chiefs travelled down to Kingsbridge for their first warm up game of the season. Both sides had already agreed that the match would be used as an opportunity to play the game over 4 twenty minute quarters, which would allow both coaches to try various combinations of players during the match.

Gareth Harries the Totnes Chiefs Head Coach had his work cut out, with several new signings keen to show their worth, along with fierce competition from last years first and second team squad members.

Pre–season training started back at the beginning of July for the Chiefs, and one of the first changes for Harries was to strengthen his backhouse team by bringing in former Totnes player Alan Foot in to the role of Backs Coach.

With over 30 players to choose from Totnes were able to hold their own against a young development squad fielded by Kingsbridge who are currently playing their League rugby in the Western Counties League, one above Totnes.

All four quarters were close affairs, with Kingsbridge just winning the final try count of the afternoon by one try. After the match Harries commented that it has been an extremely successful day for him, with plenty of opportunities to evaluate players in a realistic game situation. He observed that this season Totnes had three new props come into the squad, including Thomas Edmonds, son of former Totnes player Mike Edmonds, who had been playing his rugby at Torquay last season. Another familiar face was that of Alex Smith who has come back to Totnes after two successful seasons playing for Ivybridge.

Next week Totnes will be continuing their pre-season friendly campaign with a match against local rivals Salcombe. This match again will be away at Salcombes Camperdown Road pitch, with a 3pm kick-off.

Players', Coaches and supporters alike will be anxious to see what life in the Cornwall and Devon League is all about. Having secured promotion as the Champions of Devon League One last season, the Chiefs move into areas unknown in the clubs history. Since the introduction of the leagues back in the early nineties Totnes have spent their time battling in the Devon Leagues, and this will be their first venture up in the higher league.

Following one of their most successful seasons in recent history, the club not only secured promotion but also made it through to the final of the Devon Junior Cup, where they narrowly missed out to Wessex, in what will be remembered as a wonderful festival of rugby on Borough Park at the beginning of May.

The new season brings with it some new players, and sees some players returning to the Totnes camp having experienced rugby further a field, and training during the off season has seen some fantastic numbers coming down to stake their claims for a team place. The fixture list for the senior element of the club is overflowing, with Totnes fielding a 1st XV, a 2nd XV who also earned promotion last season and will now be playing in Devon Merit League Two, a Colts XV, who will be in the Devon Colts League and a Veterans XV.

This alone amounts to over 90 senior fixtures, of which atleast half will be played on the solitary pitch on Borough Park.

It is not only the seniors that have had success, with the Junior section of the club growing in strength and numbers every season. This year will see every age group from Under 7's through to Under 16's playing rugby at Totnes with the U14's, U 15's and U 16's all now playing on a full size pitch.

This will undoubtedly put further strain on the main pitch, which will struggle to be maintained to an adequate standard if we have similar weather conditions to last season.

Club Chairman Peter Beard has already been talking to local council officials, KEVICC, and Totnes and Dartington Football Club about the provision of further pitches, but no successful outcome or conclusion has been reached as yet.

The seniors get things underway this coming Saturday, with a friendly trial fixture arranged away to local rivals Kingsbridge, who play their rugby in Western Counties League, whilst the Bank Holiday weekend will see the senior squad nip down to Salcombe for another pre-season friendly. All spectators are welcome, and both games will be kicking off at 3pm, and will be based around 4 periods of 20 minutes to allow coaches to fully rotate their squads and tinker with the side.

The weather held fair until the end of the game, but a weary Totnes were unable to make pressure tell after an exhilarating Cup Final Match on Borough Park.
 
The town turned up in their hundreds to watch Totnes Chiefs try and win the Landscape Devon Junior Cup. The opponents on the day Wessex brought down a coach load of supporters and plenty of others made their own way to a blustery cold Borough Park.
 
However things soon warmed up on the pitch. The crowd already having seen a wonderful exhibition match of rugby between a combination of  Totnes U13's, 14's and 15's, were soon cheering and applauding both senior sides as the game ebbed and flowed through an electric first 15 minutes. Wessex were the first to get points on the board with a well taken penalty, but Totnes came straight back and replied with a Chris Hooper classic, which bisected the uprights which sent a huge cheer around the park. This was soon followed up wit another effort with similar results.
 
Continued pressure from Totnes seem to have the visitors on the ropes, and after a period of prolonged pressure on the visitors 22, saw fly half Andy Rive surge through the opposition line to score the first try of the game near the posts. Once again Hooper took aim and nailed the conversion to give Totnes a 13 points to 3 lead at the break.
 
The restart of the second half saw the Totnes Captain Lex Keen leave the pitch with a nasty looking ankle injury, to be replaced by veteran lock Paddy Townsend.
The visitors with the winfd at their backs used the elements well, relieving pressure on themselves with huge booming kicks deep in to the Totnes half. Ollie Tregelles the Totnes full back was unflappable in defence and took some impressive catches, and his strong running invariably tookthe ball back into the Wessex half.
 
Wessex showed a steely determination, and slowly forced theire way back into the game, savging well on th efloor, and pressrising both the Totnes lineout and scrum. The turning point came when Totnes once again commited their backline to another attack on the opposition 22 , when Wessex managed to turn th eball over at a ruck and quick hands saw the ball pased out to the right wing, who in turn ran the length of the pitch unchallenged by the Totnes defence.
 
A penatly and a superbly taken drop goal taken by the Wessex fly half suddenly saw Wessex in the lead with 15 minutes remaning. totnes battled hard and hammered away at the opposition try line, but although their were opportunites Totnes were unable to get a final score to seal the win.
 
After the game the presentation of the Devon Junior Cup and the Havell Shield were made on the Pavillions balcony, and both sides had the oportunity to swap tales with their opposite number in the marquee outside the clubhouse.
 
Totnes Rugby Club would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the town who came down to watch on the day, and all the sponsors and club personnel who worked so hard to put on all the facilities on the day. Even though Totnes were unable to secure the double, they did become Devon Champions, having secured the Top spot in the league program, and will now play  rugby in the Devon and Cornwall league next season.

Saturday 8th May Totnes entertain Wessex on Borough Park for the Devon Junior Cup final kick off at 1430.

The last time Totnes won this event was 1952 so this will be a very special day. By that date we will also know if we have managed to gain promotion to Devon & Cornwall next season.

Totnes RFC 1st XV Program Report.

The Chiefs started off the 2010 season where they left off from the previous year, with plenty of confidence and bags of enthusiasm. With new Head Coach Gareth Harries stamping his own particular style and method of play to the training ground, and new skipper Lex Keen leading form the front at every opportunity, the team soon found their stride and made their way to the top of Devon 1 North East, and then the Devon One Promotion League.

Their route in the Devon Junior Cup struggled to get going, with a walk over awarded in the first round in the very first competitive match of the season; it wasn't until late February that the Chiefs once again entered into the cup arena. This time an away fixture on a Sunday saw them ease past a feisty North Tawton side. With the semi final game looming, weather once again conspired to beat them and the match against Ilfracombe had to be played after a league Saturday up in the north of the county. Following a two and a half hour coach journey, Totnes still managed to come away with a victory securing the home berth for the Final against fellow Devon 1 competitors Wessex RFC.

The season has seen several new faces turn out for the Chiefs, with Coach Harries having  a strong supporting cast from the 2nd XV, and  the off the field Management of Darrin Orchard and Nigel Jarvis to keep everyone fresh and engaged.

Totnes RFC would very much like to thank all the local businesses that have shown an incredible amount of support, not only for the Devon Junior Cup Final, but throughout the whole season.

Totnes RFC 2nd XV Program Report.

Totnes 2nd XV has gone from strength to strength this season. With an excellent weekly turn out of steady players bringing both experience and youth to the side. This has proved to be a great combination which has enabled the Quins to finish comfortably in the top half of the Devon Merit table with games in hand. As the season has progressed and opportunities for the side to introduce newer younger player has increased a number of the Totnes Colts have enjoyed some invigorating run outs with their more senior colleagues.

Their progress this year has been strong and consistent with them winning the majority of games both home and away by comfortable margins. This has created a great team sprit which should carry through to the next, and hopefully even better season.

The enthusiasm generated from the Management team of Bun Williams (Manager and coach) along with Simon Osborn (Captain, Lock), has given all the players guidance, re assurance and support, and most importantly the willingness and believe to go out and play entertaining rugby

Huge thanks must also go to the sides' main sponsor, Steve at The Lord Nelson for his very generous contribution to this season’s kit.

To come....

This years Dinner & Dance is at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel Totnes
on Friday the 21st May.

Tickets available from the club or Call Gareth Readman (Chunk) on 07713 250340

This years Dinner & Dance is at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel Totnes
on Friday the 21st May.

Tickets available from the club or Call Gareth Readman (Chunk) on 07713 250340

Totnes Rugby Club Christmas Party, 19th December, Disco from 7 o clock. Everyone welcome!

The 1st XV v Topsham at home

The Quins v Plymouth Uni away

The Colts v South Molton 1PM KO

With Halloween just around the corner, Totnes RFC are holding a Spooks and Ghouls fancy dress party in the club on Saturday 31st October. All ages are welcome, with fancy dress prises, a pumpkin lantern competition, numerous party games and a disco, with the doors opening at 6.30 for the youngsters and closing a lot later for the adults!

To get the maul rolling at the start of this season, we have a trial match this Saturday (29th August) on Borough Park. We are looking to have a great big BBQ after the game to which everyone is welcome, family, friends, uncles, aunts, you decide.
 
The idea is that you bring what you want to eat, you get to cook what you want, for how ever long you want, when ever you want!
We will provide the BBQ, charcoal, and tongs...the rest is up to you.
 
The following week sees the first league games of the season, with the 1st XV travelling to Ilfracombe. We have hired a coach to encourage as many people as we can to make the journey (For those of you that were around 3 years ago, you will remember how good that trip was)

The coach will leave the Clubhouse at 10.30am, and be returning back to Totnes in time for last orders. It is really important that we get bums on seats for this so please pass your details onto Alan Tate if you want to go.
 
The 2nd XV have a home Merit table fixture against Tamar Sarcens II's, whilst the Colts get the first week off, so hopefully they will be around supporting the other two sides.

On Saturday 4th April Totnes RFC were able to present Kevin and Linda Marsden with a cheque for the sum of £3335.00, which had been raised at a charity match the previous week in aid of the charity CRY following the untimely death of their son Oliver.  During the presentation Club President Colin Taylor expressed his thanks to all the Totnes Traders and supporters who contributed so geneourously on the day. After the presentation, Kevin Marsden presented the President Colin Taylor with a 2007 England World Cup rugby shirt, signed by all the England players.

The peope who organied charity day with the Marsdens, L-R, Bunny Williams, Karen Smith, Linda Marsden, Colin Taylor, Kevin Marsden,Barrie Snell and Alan Tate.

Kevin Marsden presenting signed Endgland shirt to Club President Colin Taylor.

Kevin and Linda Marsden with the 'Cheque'

Sunday 29th March saw the inaugral Ollie Marsden Memorial Shield contested on Borough Park between Totnes and Withycombe. Fine weather saw record crowds turn out to see some wonderful expansive rugby from both sides, providing a feast of tries and bags of entertainment for all those present. The final outcome was a win for the visitors with a score line of 27 points to 35.

The event which was organised to raise funds for C-R-Y, had supporters diiging deep into their pockets for both the charity buckets and a Grand Draw. Karen Smith from Totnes RFC went to the local shopkeepers for donations, and was amazed with the response, with over 50 donations forthcoming.

Master of ceremonies on the day John Massey, also held an impromtu auction for 5 major donations which alsomoved the total onwards. Following the match the bar was opened and again spectators and players alike from both Totnes and Withycombe enjoyed some fantastic hospitality, with 10% of the bar takings being added to the final total.

Some final counting is still to be done, but Totnes RFC Chairman Barrie Snell is confident that over £3000 was raised during the day towards the appeal.

Kevin and Linda Marsden with Totnes Captain of the day Reece Smith

Totnes Club XV with Kevin and Linda Marsden

The two Captains with Match Referee Nigel Boyd

Spectators enjoying the weather

Andy Rive makes a break for Totnes

Andy Rive lays ball off to fellow centre Mike Bishop

Andy Rive shows a clean pair of heels

Totnes Captain Reece Smith presents Match Ball to Kevin Marsden

Kevin Marsden presenting Memorial Shield to Withycombe Captain

Following the tragic loss of young Totnes RFC player Ollie Marsden, in October 2008, the club is going to create a memorial shield to remember him by.

During his time at University, Ollie played for both Totnes and Withycombe Rugby clubs, and so it is fitting that both of these clubs will be putting together representative XV’s to play in his honour annually.

The inaugural fixture will be played at Totnes on Sunday 29th March, with all the proceeds raised during the match, and from a prize draw going to C-R-Y (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

One of the key aims of the charity C-R-Y is to get all youngsters playing sport tested for any irregularities of the heart.

Karen Smith has kindly offered to support our cause, and approach local businesses for donations that will go into the Grand Draw that will be held on the day, and we hope that you will be able to help us in our fund raising and be present on the day when we will be selling the tickets for all the donated prizes.

It is our intention to donate all funds from the draw, touch line collection, and 10% of the bar takings on the day, to support C-R-Y in the future, and hopefully aid youngsters who look to take up sport in the area.
Your support will be gratefully appreciated by all members of Totnes Rugby football Club.

IRB Rugby Ready Course

The emphasis of this course is on coaching the contact areas of the game safely – tackle, ruck, maul and scrum
From September 2009 it will be necessary to have attended an IRB Rugby Ready course before a coach can be accepted onto a Level 1 Coaching Award course
The course has some classroom content but is largely practically based
 
Date/Time: Weds 15th October 2008, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
 
Venue: Plymouth Albion RFC, Brickfields, Plymouth
 
Cost: £18.00
 
Booking: Please send a cheque to Rob Masters, Rugby Development Officer, Ivybridge Community College, Harford Road, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0JA payable to Rugby Football Development Ltd. Please include a note stating it is for the IRB Rugby Ready course.
Robmasters@rfu.com
O7764 960390
 
 
 
Three Coach Development Modules
 
1. Game Sense Coaching: 9.30am – 11.30am
2. Playing Away from the Scrum: 11.45am – 1.45pm
3. Playing Away from the Lineout: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
The courses have some classroom and some practical based work on a rubber crumb pitch (trainers or astro turf boots only)
 
Date: Sunday 19th October 2008
 
Venue: Ivybridge College, Harford Road, Ivybridge
 
Cost: £ 16.00 per module or £30.00 for all three
 
Booking: Please send a cheque to Rob Masters, Rugby Development Officer, Ivybridge Community College, Harford Road, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0JA payable to Rugby Football Development Ltd. Please include a note stating it is for the Coach Development Modules and which of the three modules you will be attending.
Robmasters@rfu.com
O7764 960390
 
 
 
Advanced Coaching Course
 
This course is for Level 2 coaches who have aspirations to progress onto level 3 or level 3 coaches who wish to update their knowledge. It is purely classroom based and covers the following topics: Player Profiling, Game Planning, Periodisation and Coaching Styles
 
Date/Time: Sunday 30th Nov 2008, 9.30am – 4.00pm
 
Venue: Ivybridge College, Harford Road, Ivybridge
 
Cost: £60.00
 
Booking: Please contact Bev Rawlins, the SW Coaching Administrator at Hartpury College
beverley.rawlins@hartpury.ac.uk
01452 702119