Year 11 started their Rugby pre-season with a trip to West Buckland for a tournament against some familiar faces. Most of Bideford RFC’s Under 16s were in attendance, scattered amongst the colours of Chulmleigh and Torrington. This was enough motivation to fire up the Park contingent who fancied their chances of securing a few wins before the Christmas break.
They had three games scheduled over the course of the afternoon. First up, Park faced Chulmleigh. Park started slow but remained committed to the task and made it difficult for Chulmleigh to get any rhythm. Park started to fatigue and Chlumleigh took advantage, quick hands made the most of the space out wide which led to Chulmleigh’s first try. Second half, Chulmleigh turned up the heat. Multiple tries scored back-to-back left Park with a lot to do and some wounds to patch before they faced Torrington.
After facing the tournament’s strongest side, Park remained optimistic that a win was within reach against Torrington. Harry Elliott had some stern words to say to the group before they kicked off and the message seemed to get through.
Park started the next game much improved, they were visibly organised in defence and attack. Adam Rashid’s distribution off both hands was able to set Marley Carss on some damaging line breaks. They dealt with the threat of Torrington’s centres early on, reducing them to little yards gained up the pitch. Second half Park got the breakthrough, a well worked try finished off a brilliant defensive effort. Torrington had no response.
Last up Park faced the hosts, the players were still quietly confident at heart but signs of fatigue had started to sink in. Tired bodies and tired minds eventually resulted in poor decisions. Park lost a lot of ball in contact against a well-drilled West Buckland team and paid the price. Early tries for the hosts left little doubt who would prevail as the victor in the third test. As the game came to a close, a moment of genius from George Tibbles who gilded through diving West Buckland bodies to score under the post.
Full time Results:
Chulmleigh 25 – 0 Park
Park 5 – 0 Torrington
West Buckland 25 – 7 Park
Player of the Tournament: Harry Elliott
Written by Mr G King (PE Technician)
