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