South Molton
South Molton
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South Molton
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
Raising The Standards!
Why should you choose us?
South Molton RFC is a fine example of a well-run club working hard to
play an important role in the local community. Rugby Club Magazine
recently caught up with their 1st team captain Ben Gatehouse to find
out more about how they’ve been getting along lately.
Involvement
He told us, “I joined the club whilst away at university in
2001; it was the closest club to my home so if I was
back short term it was easier for me to play.
Having grown up locally I knew a few of
the lads through school.
I like the history of the club and that
many old players are still actively
involved at committee level or
coaching. After nine years away I
returned to the club to see out my
playing career as I had always
held respect for the club and it is
my ‘home’ team.
I am very proud to captain the
team this year and immensely
proud of all the players and what
we are hoping to achieve. It’s easy
to steer a boat when it’s already
heading in the right direction!”
The Role
“As captain, the most challenging part is
probably selection – we have some fantastic players
and are developing a real depth to our squad, keeping everyone
happy on game day is impossible as I have 15 spots to fill and
3 substitutes.
The most rewarding parts are seeing our hard work paying
off on the pitch; we are all after the same success and have
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We feel that the fact our staff have been with us an average of 14 years
says everything about us.
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a self-belief as well as mutual respect throughout the squad.
And obviously lifting the Dave Butt trophy was a highlight!”
Present
“I’d say the mood at the club at the
moment is ambitious and confident.
We are very goal focused and there
is a real excitement for match days
to go with a determination to
claim silverware. We finished in
mid-table last season and saw a
change in coach and captain for
the new campaign.
We set goals to get promoted
and have successful cup runs
in the County and David Butt
Memorial Trophy - we won the
David Butt Trophy in October.
We went into the Xmas break 2nd
in the league having lost one game
and conceded less than eight points a
game.
Sadly we lost one of our new recruits
shortly after winning the Cup in October –
prompting the club to rally to support MIND through
Movember and the juniors washing cars on match days as well
as individuals collecting at work raising over £4500 in one
month. Elliott’s shirt was retired for the rest of this season and
his family will present it to the club in due course.”
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Unit 6 & 7, North Aller Business Park, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3RF
Youth
“Junior rugby is the future of the club
– and it is testament to the volunteer
coaches, parents and kids that we have
an ever growing junior section. It is also
important to highlight success from
within our club with players being
selected for Exeter Chiefs academy (Sam
Leworthy) showing that anything is
achievable from a small club, but also
important for the juniors to be aware
of the seniors. In the summer the club’s
Chairman Gary Bucknell organises six
weeks of ‘touch rugby’ where teams mix
from the very youngest to the vets!
We have had six of last year’s colts
involved in senior rugby this year with
three playing in the first XV and all
encouraged to fit in at training and be
part of the squad. We also help players
make the transition into the senior game
by utilising 2nd XV matches to give this
year’s 17/18yr old colts a taste of senior
rugby, training Colts alongside Seniors,
and, as it’s a social club, the clubhouse
provides an opportunity for seniors,
juniors and parents to mingle.”
Community
“We are absolutely a community club.
The clubhouse is often booked out for
events from birthday parties to slimming
world meetings! A lot of local businesses
not only sponsor us but make the effort
to come and support us on match days.”
Ambitions
“We want to win the Devon 1 and gain
promotion to the Devon & Cornwall
League. We are also targeting cup success
in the Devon Junior Cup and want to go
as far as we can in the National Junior
Vase with the final at Twickenham the
goal.
We will also look to win the Cawthorne
Cup an annual cup played between
SMRFC and Torrington in memory of
Dick Cawthorne. Further on, it is our
goal to compete in the Devon Cornwall
league 2018/19 and push for promotion
to Western Counties.”
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