Woz On - a frustrating week for Honiton rugby

I'll get straight to it this week and will start with a frustrating afternoon over at Wellington - no I won't!

I'll start with the fact that once again our Twos were without a game. We were due to go to South Moulton with a strong side, but at the last minute we got the dreaded call to say they couldn't raise a side.

Yes, we get the league points but the boys want to play rugby, as I'm sure you've heard me moan about this before. But, it's so easy when it gets tough with a lack of numbers to just to say it's off!

So frustrating, I might be using that word a lot in today's blog!

Back to Wellington, they are league leaders for a reason and they had a lot of fire power to see us off but the frustration for those of us watching was the fact that for 60 minutes of the game we were more than holding our own and it was only quick fire scores that made the 41-10 score line look bad.

The boys actually played well.

Now on to my next moan. We were due a free week this weekend so we could re-group lick wounds etc. but on Saturday night we saw that the RFU have switched a fixture we had already rearranged for Feb 22 back to this coming weekend, with no notice and no notification!

We had everything arranged for the 22nd and all was organised, but because they can move games and it's in the rules, they decided it must be played this week, with no consideration for planning things at all.

I've been on the phone trying to remonstrate and to be fair I started off being fairly polite, but it quickly went downhill - especial when he said 'rules are rules'!

How they think we are supposed to run a club when they can move fixtures forward as and when is just unbelievable and with five days notice! I've sent a 'strongly worded' email, as this has really messed up our plans!

My chum Large Fellow put his two penneth in as well, but he once again used the phrase I often use and you can't help thinking it's right: "We play rugby despite the RFU not because of them." Wash our mouths out, how dare we!

Sunday was a busy day in 'Junior Land' and Chris was down early organising photos and handshakes with our Junior kit sponsors.

It was Emmaluke's first full week as our fixtures gurus and what a baptism of fire, as it was a full programme of games, photos to be done and a cancellation of our 14's away game at Exeter.

It was though, a glorious sunny day!

There was a bit of doubt given the overnight frost, but it quickly melted away and all games went ahead.

I watched a great game between our 13's and the Bridgers and despite us losing we played well in an entertaining game! The opposition were big as well!

After all the games were played, we held a parents meeting and Chris did a presentation to spell out the urgent need for new junior volunteers.

Fair to say attendance numbers were a tad disappointing, but it was very positive and the net result was we now have several who have put hands up to come on board and help.

I'm looking through the names etc and am going to arrange a meeting with them all to discuss job descriptions and who can do what.

It's great to see, so let's hope we can move forward with more people getting involved helping the hard pressed few.

As I always say, it's a community members club with each and every one owning just one share in it. We all own it and it just don't work unless we all do a bit to help!

For me, Sunday was just great to see. So many kids enjoying a good old run around and that, my little chickens, is what it's all about. It's all run by volunteers and as the saying goes 'many hands make light work!'

If I've missed anyone re volunteering drop me an email and we can find a job for you.

So, to this weekend; as I've said, very frustrating but we do have a First team game on against Teignmouth.

Some good news, our loyal long suffering supporters, in Jonathan and his clan from the Blamphayne Saw Mills has somehow managed to get his chums to change their plans organised for the 22nd and they're all coming along for their lunch this week instead and by doing this they have saved the day.

We've cobbled a side together as well, so we go again and I know Groves men would love to see you down to support during our hour of need.

Birdy's Otters go down to Exeter for a rematch against the Engineers which is at Topsham.

Sunday we're up against Sidmouth across the board. At Tonsville we have the 13's ,12's, and 11's at home.

The 14's are away on the Blackmore field, that will be an interesting game, and the 10's downwards are up at Sidford.

That's about it for a frustrating week at the Ton.

So, chin up all and #UTT.