It has been an extremely successful season to date for our 2nd and 3rd xv's. With only a few games remaining this season, the 2nd xv sit in 2nd place with a game in hand, and the 3rd xv sit top of Devon Merit Table 2.

2nd xv

At the weekend just gone, the 2nd xv travelled to Paignton and came away with a 71-3 victory. Robbie Lowe's men travelled light , with Robbie himself stepping onto the bench as the sole replacement, multi tasking as team manager / coach and super sub. In recent weeks, a number of players have left the club to sign for Withycombe in search of more regular rugby. The last count of players totalled 17, who have left us to join Withycombe in the past few seasons. We are hoping that some possible reorganisation of league structures may allow us to provide more competitive fixtures for our fringe players and for those colts moving up through the system.

Late cry offs from Devonport Services and Sidmouth in the early rounds, plus last weeks Thursday night cry off from Barnstaple have left a number of blank weekends for the 2nd xv, which has been frustrating. However 'Robbie Lowe's barmy army' continue to play some good rugby, and have provided opportunities for some up and coming colts and for some more seasoned players such as Bob Armstrong to mix in with aspiring players. Tom Steer has been a superb captain this year and there are some exciting fixtures ahead, with what may even become a title decider against Okehampton 2nd xv in April, if both teams continue to win their respective league games. Plenty of big games to come between now and then so we must stay focussed.

3rd xv

The Mighty Nomads have been superbly managed by 'Tinners', amongst others, and they strike a successful balance and potent mix between 'social life' and 'social rugby' ! Last weeks midweek victory over Exeter Engineers demonstrated how wet weather rugby can be deployed at all levels of the game, with the Armstrong 'twins' combining to great effect.

Ian Dunstan provides an average age boost, and Tom Barnard provides solid platforms to play from in what is a very popular team at the club, who have a strong identity and are ever present in the clubhouse!

The Nomads sit top of the league in a division that includes all 2nd xv's apart from the mighty Crediton, who appear to be the only other club in Devon who successfully manage to run 3 senior sides regularly.... a dying and rare breed, but clubs that should be congratulated and supported.

So the question is .... Can the 2nd and 3rd xv finish the season strongly and do the double??? Can the Nomads stay sober enough to win the league. Can Robbie use his powers of persuasion to get enough players out each week. Can 'Dummy Club' claim even more victims and boost the end of season 'pot'. Can GVA get over the whitewash again? The season continues .....

Regards

Jon
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