Sidmouth celebrate return to rugby
Sidmouth Rugby Club re-opened in late September with a weekend of activity based around the RFU’s phase D permitted activity.
The club’s safeguarding and welfare team of Emma Bagwell and Pippa Bird ensured Covid 19 guidelines were adhered to across the weekend, following government guidelines, as well as those from the RFU.
Bar manager, Sarah Burston, assisted by Peter O’Brien and Peter Duncan also followed the plan to set up a Covid-19 secure clubhouse and ground. A group of volunteers completed the last-minute preparations to ensure the Blackmore Field was looking its best and fully prepared for the weekend.
On Friday evening, head coach Phil Dolman put a group of about 40 senior players through their paces in a training session watched by a good crowd of members and supporters.
On Saturday afternoon five teams of Colts and U16s took part on an intraclub touch rugby competition with more than 40 players involved. Referees Stephe Kruger and Henry Sanford worked up a good sweat keeping up with the youngsters.
Again, a good crowd of supporters were in attendance to cheer the players on and enjoy the enthusiasm and skill on display.
This was an opportunity to dust off the Pullin Cup, presented to the club and named after founder Bingley Pullin for a competition between teams of boys aged 17 and under. The historic trophy was first contested for at Christmas in 1904.
The cup was presented to the captain of the winning team by club president Terry O’Brien.
On Sunday it was the turn of the juniors to get their pre-season underway with registration and first training sessions. Each squad has been provided with its own set of Covid-compliant instructions and equipment not to be shared with other age groups, including a disinfectant bath (for equipment) and hand sanitizer, as well as an app.
The minis and youths assembled in the morning at Sidford and Blackmore following a timetable to ensure the correct numbers were allocated to each pitch and changeovers were smooth. The three girls age groups then got their season underway in the afternoon on the Blackmore Field.
The weekend’s events were concluded with a showing of the Saracens v Exeter Chiefs Premiership match on the big screen in the clubhouse following the groups of six protocol due to come into force the following day.
Throughout it was evident that the players from U7s right through to the first team were relishing the opportunity to get back into action albeit with very limited contact.
