BRIXHAM RUGBY CLUB

TEAM CONTACTS

MATT DODD
01803 854547 07967755605
mmdoddy@googlemail.com

NICK NODEN
01803 849432 07877 611083
nnoden@tiscali.co.uk

3rd April 2011 DEVON FESTIVAL
Brixham under 12`s remain an inigma. Their performance at the Devon festival on Sunday had a mixture of beautiful handling and movement of the ball, undone by handling errors or poor ball retention.
Some twenty Devon clubs were represented at Cullompton with the day's action held in proper spring showers. There was some terrific rugby played and the event showed just how strong Devon junior rugby is.
In their opening pool game, Brixham conceded 4 soft tries to one of the tournament favourites - Topsham.
Their next game was against Crediton and this time Brixham scored 3 first half tries. The first was a bizarre touch down for Josh Noakes; then Brixham player of the day, Connor Howard, scored 2 tries after powerful runs. The conversions were all kicked by Ted Duberley for a 21-0 win.
The afternoon session began in torrential rain. With Brixham now contesting the plate competition they were given a bye straight into the semi final where they faced a big Barnstaple side. The two teams were evenly matched and at the final whistle were separated by a single try that went to Barnstaple, after they shifted the ball wide to score in the corner. For all of Brixham's endeavour they were unable to break through to equalise, so ending their challenge for the day.
With the season nearly over the next game for Brixham is on Easter Sunday when they entertain touring side Tamworth.

27th March 2011
Brixham played in the Paignton Trevor Ward festival on Sunday, but were unable to put in a performance to equal the one shown the previous week.
Playing on a very hard pitch, the pool stages started with a game against Ivybridge. Brixham started well with a Josh Noakes try but Ivybridge came back with 2 tries to win 10-5.
Next up for Brixham were Launceston, who became the Cornish U12`s champions last week. The only try was scored by the very quick and powerful Launceston winger. The following game was against Tavistock and a depleted Brixham side got caught out in defence to loose 10-0.
Last up was a match with Paignton. After leaking 2 tries, Brixham recovered well to level the match through a brace of tries from Ted Duberley.
Next week Brixham should be back to full strength for their trip to Cullumpton for the Devon festival.

19th March 2011 BRIXHAM 54 PAINSWICK 7
Brixham stood in for Paignton to play touring side Painswick from Gloucestershire at (neutral) Queens Park.
Back up to full strength the young `fishermen` put in a great `team` performance, playing their best rugby of the season. The try count started when Brixham lock Josh Noakes smashed his way through the Painswick defence for his 20th try of the season. A flowing move followed and Noakes un-selfishly offloaded to scrum half Jamie Francis to touch down. The third Brixham try was scored by `man of the match` Callum Smith and to wrap up a succesful first half, Brixham fly-half Ted Duberley broke through and raced half the length of the pitch to make it 28-0.
After the break the tries kept coming. First over was lock Connor Howard who made an un-stoppable run to the line. Lively running throughout the game by full-back Jack Howitt produced Brixham`s 6th try when he came into the back line to score. The next score was a first try playing for Brixham from Noah Wright who had an excellent game.
To Painswick`s credit they never gave up and after a period of sustained pocession they scored a well worked consolation try.
The game was wrapped up by prop George Voase who scored under the posts to complete a 54-7 scoreline. The converted points were all kicked by Duberley.
Next week Brixham return to Paignton for the annual Trevor Ward festival before they head off to the Devon festival the following week at Cullompton.

13th March 2011 EXMOUTH 28 BRIXHAM 12
Brixham battled well at Exmouth on Sunday but lost in a tight game. The side was hampered by the absence of key players due to illness,a skate park accident and a `grounding` !! Some of the remaining squad found themselves playng in un-familiar positions but this will hopefully give more appreciation of the roles of their team-mates.
It was Brixham who took the lead through Jack Howitt. Exmouth came back with 2 tries from their huge number 8.
Brixham centre Ted Duberley added a further Brixham try, leaving it 14-12 to the hosts at half time.
In the second half Exmouth added a further brace of tries to win the match 28-12. Noteable Brixham performance came from Chris Harding and Callum Smith, whilst Thomas Farr put in an improved performance.
Next week Brixham play a Saturday game against Painswick, a touring side from Gloucestershire.

20th February 2011 BRIXHAM 42 STONEHOUSE 14
Brixham kicked off 15 minutes earlier than usual, and with the players still not awake, Stonehouse Sharks shocked them by scoring two early converted tries. From this wake up call, Brixham got back into the game and pulled a try back before half time through Josh Noakes who drove over from close range. Ted Duberley converted to make it 14-7 at half time.
The second half was far better for Brixham. The tackles were made, the passing and offload game worked, and tries flowed. Prop forward Reef Thompson peeled off a maul to score; Callum Smith was unstoppable as he went over. Jesse Lowe exploited a half gap to score, whilst Jack Howitt took a pass from Jamie Francis after a long ball option was taken at the line-out.
Connor Howard had a big game, and the speed shown by Jake Keeble will be a huge asset next season on the full size pitch.
The game was wrapped up with possibly the best solo try of the season when number 8 Olly Jackson collected the ball in his own half and weaved his way all the way to the line. Duberley succesfully kicked all of the six Brixham tries. The final score was a 42-14 win for Brixham.

6th February 2011 BRIXHAM v WITHYCOMBE
Brixham under 12`s had never previously had a fixture with Withycombe(Exmouth) until Sunday. Although the visitors are newly formed, they showed a great deal of grit and determination.
Brixham went about their business in the early stages of the game. Swift passing through the backs enabled Brixham to create an overlap for centre Connor Putt to go over. The try was converted by Ted Duberley. The next 7 points came from Duberley himself after he looped around the pack to score. A first try of the season was next for Chris Harding playing on the wing. Putt was heading towards the line until he unselfishly offloaded to the supporting Harding.
To wrap up a strong 1st half display by the `fishermen`, (lock) Josh Noakes gathered a pop-pass from elusive scrum-half Jamie Francis to make it 28-0.
Into the second half and Brixham had the opportunity to experiment with a few positional changes. But it was Withycombe who were rewarded for their perseverance. A burly forward ran down the touchline to make it 28-7.
Brixham again went on the attack and fly half Jesse Lowe found a gap to score under the posts. Jake Keeble had a rare chance at kicking duties and duely knocked over the extra points.
The result was wrapped up with a second try for Noakes after he bulldozed his way over from a tap penalty.
Brixham would like to wish Withycombe well now that they have established a squad at this age group. Next week Kingsbridge are the opposition. This should be a `bench-mark` game leading towards the end of season county festivals.

30th January 2011 DEVONPORT SERVICES v BRIXHAM
Brixham travelled to Devonort Services hoping to carry on with their recent good form but the frozen ground at Stonehouse Creek put pay to a competitive contact game. Instead, the 2 sides played a semi-contact game with competitive scrums and kicking allowed. Tackling was banned on safety grounds so 2 handed touch rules were applied. Although neither team scored , the run out was a usefull way of practising skills and game awareness.Next week the team travels to Withycombe(Exmouth).

23rd January 2011 BRIXHAM V STONEHOUSE
Brixham came across a huge set of Stonehouse forwards in Sundays match at Astley Park. The visitors spent a lot of time camped near the Brixham line and opened the scoring with a try after a succesion of scrums.
Brixham got back into the game when scrum half Jamie Francis collected the ball and jinked his way over to level the score prior to half time. Jesse Lowe and Rob Becconsall were playing well in the backs whilst Oliver Jackson had a superb game playing like a natural back row player.
In the second half the better fitness and mobility of the Brixham forwards was creating more chances to get through the resolute Stonehouse defence. Brixham also competed well in the scrum and lineouts, but the game was so tight that the result could have gone either way. With only a few minutes left the forwards worked their way towards the line and Josh Noakes peeled off a maul and drove over from short range. The conversion was succesfully kicked by Ted Duberley, to give Brixham a 14-7 win.

9th January 2011 BRIXHAM 7 IVYBRIDGE 28
Not having played a match for a month, Brixham welcomed Ivybridge to Astley Park for their third encounter this season. The match served up yet another fine display of running rugby. Brixham were without three regulars so players were shuffled around. This is helpful to their rugby development but not so easy for players playing in unaccustomed positions.
The young fishermen made the perfect start when Josh Noakes drove over for the opening try, which was converted by Ted Duberley. Brixham were in command for the first 10 minutes, but Ivybridge battled back with 3 converted tries before half time. Brixham continued to create scoring chances but missing the final pass or losing control of the ball was costing them dearly. At half time the score was 21-7 in favour of Ivybridge.
In the second half the Brixham scrum was winning a lot of ball enabling the backs to run at the Ivybridge defence. Ivybridge repeatedly regained pocession and promptly took play back from where Brixham started. If it had not been for some desperate Brixham tackling, Ivybridge would have stretched their lead further. The Ivybridge defence was organised and resolute. Brixham had two penalty opportunities on the Ivybridge line but were once again denied. As it was Ivy scored one more try for a deserved 28-7 victory. If the next match is as equally entertaining it should be worth the wait..

5th December 2010 BRIXHAM 63 TORQUAY 0
On Sunday Brixham welcomed Torquay to Astley Park and the young Fishermen were in scintillating form.
Their dominance created 3 tries within the first 10 minutes through Jesse Lowe, Jamie Francis, and Jack Hewitt.
Looking comfortable, the Brixham coaches swapped experienced players for new-comers and the replacements didn't disappoint. The tries kept coming with Francis getting his second and Lowe completing his hat-trick for a half-time 42-0 lead.
Into the second half the Brixham players didn't let up. The power and mobility of the Brixham forwards created the platform, whilst the backs were carving holes through the Tics defence. Connor Putt was always at the forefront of the Brixham attacks. At the breakdown Noah Wright was enjoying his best game since joining Brixham. Thomas Farr was also having a much improved game at hooker.
Further tries were scored by Ted Duberley, Lowe and finally Josh Noakes for a full time 63-0 scoreline.

28th November 2010 BRIXHAM 31 TEIGNMOUTH 38

Brixham welcomed Teignmouth to a cold Astley Park, and it seems the venue was one of the few to survive the overnight frost.

It was Teignmouth who `turned up the heat` with some early scoring after finding space up the flanks.They passed swiftly through their back line and, helped by some sloppy Brixham tackling, opened up a 4 try lead.
Brixham saved face just before half time when Josh Noakes drove over from short range to make it 24-7 to Teignmouth at the break.
Now playing with the advantage of the slope Brixham closed the gap further. Teignmouth tried to break out from their own line, but Connor Putt was wise to the move and seized a loose ball to score.
After much better work by the Brixham backs the ball was re-circulated and Noakes was on hand to power over for his second try. This was answered with a brilliant end to end solo try by a Teignmouth back.
The tackling and intensity of the game increased as a further try was scored by Teigns and then Brixham`s acting scrum-half Jack Hewitt (who had a very powerful game with the ball in hand) forced his way through to score under the posts.
Just before the final whistle Oliver Jackson went over in the corner but it was Teignmouth`s day winning a very entertaining game 38-31. Brixhams conversions were scored by Jesse Lowe and Rob Becconsall.
Brixham will be hoping the winter blast has gone before next weekends local derby against Torquay.

21st November 2010 BRIXHAM 40 IVYBRIDGE 14
Preparation for Sunday's match at home to Ivybridge on Sunday were a very wet Friday training session and a visit to watch Exeter Chiefs the following day. The players must have drawn inspiration from this as Brixham were in scintillating form.

The games opening score came from Ivybridge. The visitors spun the ball wide and found space for an early try and conversion. Brixham recovered well to level through lock Josh Noakes, who broke off a ruck and drove over from close range. At half time the scores were level at 7-7.

Brixham now had the advantage of the slope and the game came alive. In a matter of minutes Noakes again drove over after good work by the forwards. This was followed by possibly the Brixham try of the season. A sweeping move from deep in their own half involved nearly every `backs` player. It was finished off by scrum half Jamie Francis.
From the re-start Brixham went straight back on the attack. Number 8 Callum Smith was unlucky not to score when the ball was held up after crossing the try line. From the resultant scrum, Francis darted through a gap for his second try.
Ivybridge kept coming back, and they too were held up on the line. A forceful drive by their forwards led to a try under the posts.
The Brixham pack were by now gaining an advantage at the scrum. Powerful work was being done by George Voase, Connor Howard and Reef Thompson to deter a huge Ivy front row. At 28-14 Brixham were awarded a penalty which they unusually decided to kick for touch. From the line-out Noakes gathered the ball and stormed through for his hat-trick. The final Brixham try was deservadly scored by centre, Connor Putt. His elusive running and fearless tackling was instrumental throughout the game. Full back Jesse Lowe and Jack Howitt on the wing combined to put Putt through. The final score was 40-14 to Brixham. The conversion points were added by Rob Becconsall and Ted Duberley who both had big games.

Some Photos - sorry they're not too hot - and a collage of video clips

13th November 2010
Beginning with a 7am start,Brixham U12`s joined the cream of Devon rugby along with Launceston and Taunton for the Exeter Chiefs round of the Land Rover cup.The competition takes the winners from each Aviva premiership club competition to a finals day at Twickenham.
Brixham started off their pool matches with the daunting task of playing Sidmouth, who are considered as the best in the county.
Brixham played out of their skins and held Sidmouth to a scoreless draw. The young `fishermen` defended their line with determination, and on occasions broke clear with great ball handling.
Next up was Ivybridge, an equally difficult match. The match was all square at half time, but into the second-half Brixham pressure eventually paid off. Firstly, a try was called back by the referee. The very next play prop Reef Thompson stormed over for the winning Brixham try, and a first ever victory for Brixham over Ivybridge.
The third match was scheduled to be against Cullompton, but their non appearance gave Brixham a bye and a place in the semi finals as the highest runner up.
The semi-final draw was unfavourable, and once again Sidmouth were the opposition. This time Sidmouth were gifted a try in the first half. Brixham tried everything to break through and fought bravely.Just before the final whistle Sidmouth scored a well worked second try to put the result beyond doubt and book themselves a place in the final. In the other semi Topsham beat Kingsbridge and set up a final that was played on Exeter Chiefs main pitch.
Sidmouth won 15-5 against Topsham in a show case match of the highest quality. The intensity of the days rugby showed how strong Devon junior rugby is.

7th November 2010 TEIGNMOUTH 19 BRIXHAM 12
Brixham under 12`s travelled to Teignmouth on Sunday in a re-arranged fixture for both sides.
Brixham started the stronger side and within the first few minutes scored a well worked try through centre Connor Putt after a nice break and offload from Ted Duberley. Teignmouth looked well organised at the breakdown. Their ruck and short line out throw was working well.
After the ball went to ground near the Brixham 22, a Teignmouth centre emerged from a pile of bodies to run unopposed to level the scores at 7-7 before the half time break.
Into the second half and Teignmouth were awarded a scrum on the Brixham try line. The ball went blind and using a two man overlap, a second try was scored.
Brixham responded well and following a powerful run up the side line by Reef Thompson, the ball was picked up by Josh Noakes to drive over. Unfortunately the conversion was missed.
Teignmouth weren't finished and once again a try came after play went through a few phases and a solo run to the line.
Brixham played some great rugby, but were undone by final passes or losing possession in contact. Noteable Brixham performances were the strong running of winger Jack Howitt, full-back Jesse Lowe and scrum half Jamie Francis.
This Saturday the team are at Exeter Chiefs for the Land-Rover sponsored U12 festival which is being hosted by all the clubs within the `Aviva` premiership league. The regional winners will have the privilege of playing at the finals day to be held at Twickenham.

17th October 2010 BRIXHAM 63 PAIGNTON 7

10th October 2010 BRIXHAM 14 KINGSBRIDGE 21