"I, and all at the club are massively proud of our squad for turning our season around, and hitting top form at the right moment in the season. We have been unbeaten at Home all season, and have only lost two games in the last SIX months.

"It is such an exciting time for all at the club right now and we hope to make this the most successful year in the clubs history. As things stand, going into this weekends games, we are top of the 1st xv and 2nd xv leagues, we are in the Devon Senior County Cup Final, we are in the Colts Plate final, and were runners up in the Under 16's Cup final this weekend. We have earned the right to have up to two games to gain promotion, we have fully supported the County Rugby programme, and have at least one player likely to be offered a full time professional contract next season. For a community club like ourselves, that is a superb place to be in. So now we are in a position to make a bold statement having achieved all of the above, YES, we want promotion. That is why you play sport, that is the thrill of sport and what makes it unique. As a club we want to test ourselves on the highest and hardest levels available.

"Whatever the outcome on Saturday, we wish Barnstaple all the very best. It is in both our interests to have us both in the league above, and we have a very good relationship with them. They have invested wisely in the coaching and playing squad over the last few years and have a core group of players, just like ourselves who have been at the club for a period of time. Steve has achieved an awful lot, and I have the upmost respect for him. The club itself have made steps on and off the field to be prepared for this moment with commercial sense, sound attendances, and recruitment. You only have to look at the signings of proven Championship performers such as Chris Lowrie, Bryn Jenkins, Steve Pape, and Steve Perry himself to show that the club has invested in its playing resources and have been building each year. Fair play to them, with the crowds that they get and the professionalism that they have displayed, they have made astute signings, working to a sustainable budget and it would be nice to have us both in National Two together.

" We choose from a fully fit squad this weekend, and there are sure to be a few people very disappointed to miss out on such a vital game. We have such a tight knit squad and everyone has worked so hard for each other to get to this point. Chris Bentley, Will Goulden and Dan Powell were all outstanding off the bench last week, and Former Captain Ross Morshead was unavailable last week, We literally cant wait for Saturday"

Exmouth 2nd xv play Barnstaple 2nd xv at 12.30pm on Saturday as a curtain raiser to the main event. A win for the 2nd xv should see them win the league also, assuming other teams fulfil games against us as requested. The 2nd xv have only lost one game all season, so we hope to be in a position to be crowned Champions should the 2nd xv win this Saturday!!

Exmouth 1st xv play Barnstaple 1st xv at 2.30pm for Automatic Promotion to National Two.

Entry is £7 for adults (including programme), £6 (OAP's), FREE for Under 16's in a game being sponsored by Nunn Rickard Solicitors.

Team selection v Barnstaple (h)

1. George Savage
2. Charlie Gibbings
3. Isaac Dalton
4. Jack Fahy
5. Chris Bentley
6. James Harris
7. Dave Bargent (c)
8. Ben Hawley
9. Matt Ryan
10. George Meadows
11. James Vidler
12. Mark Wathes
13. Henry Goldson
14. Ollie Rice
15. Rich Cadywould

Reps:
16. Will Goulden
17. Ollie Pyne
18. Ross Morshead
19. Dan Powell

Regards

Jon
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