Bideford First Team - The Chiefs

Last season the chiefs were led by the new team of Peter Griffin (Head Coach) Kevin Booth (Forwards Coach) Andrew McKenzie -Shapland (Captain) Jamie Morris and David Harris (Joint Manager's).

Bideford finished 6th in the league table for a second consecutive year aside from run-away winners Wellington, the league was extremely close and hard fought, with only three points separating the teams between third and eighth. Unfortunately the weather proved Bideford's biggest foe. The winter conditions forced many of the team's above them into playing two games a week and gave some unusual results to the underdogs, which pushed them up the league.The close nature of the league was told in Bidefords resuts, which included two drawn games alongside the fourteen wins and ten defeats.

Once again, the Chiefs showed glimpses of being an extremely capable outfit, only losing one league game at home and winning tough away fixtures at Stithians, Saltash, as well as piling on the points against OPMs and OPOs. Far too often though, the Chiefs found themselves narrowly edged out of games when it mattered, going down 18-17 at Hayle and 15-14 at Falmouth.

The Boxing Day derby at Barnstaple showed just how good the Chiefs can be, turning around at half time leading their neighbours 7-5. Unfortunately after the break Barnstaple's higher league status showed, but is was clear that Bideford were certainly equiped to play at a higher level.

Youth and tallent is very clear to be seen in the club, with two players making their firs appearances for the full Devon side during the season. Congratulations to both Oliver Wickett (2 caps) and Mark Schofield (1 cap).

This summer has seen the coaching and management work hard on both pre season and brining in new (and old) faces. The club welcome's in Paul Thomas (prop) who played for Crediton last season and Lee Weston (flanker) who played for Bude last year. Dave Slee and Sam Olde also make a return to the Chiefs both have already played in years past but have relocated back to North Devon.

This season is sure to prove yet another tight league campaign but with the support of everyone in the club, there is no reason why the Chiefs cannot have an extremely successful season and finish in the top couple of league spots.

Coaching and Support Staff