Barnstaple's Devon Senior Cup semi-final is a big day for Sidmouth
If three years without lifting the Devon Senior Cup is hurting Barnstaple, spare a thought for their opponents in tomorrow's semi-final.
Sidmouth, who will host the last-four tie at The Blackmore, have not claimed the trophy for 83 years.
-
Barnstaple celebrate their win in the 2010 Devon Senior Cup final at Brixham
That 1930 triumph was the most recent of three cup wins for Sidmouth who will be staging their first semi-final in the competition for 34 years, when they lost by a single point to Brixham.
It is being described as Sidmouth's biggest home match since they beat Old Redcliffians in a play-off in 2008 to win promotion to Tribute South West One.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
All of which means Barnstaple, who play in the division above their hosts, are unlikely to find their route to the final a straightforward one.
Sidmouth were thrashed 69-3 at Old Reds, who lead the league, last weekend.
But the side Barum face tomorrow is likely to be much closer to the one who beat Thornbury 43-26 in Sidmouth's last home outing after ten changes were made for the trip to Bristol.
Like Barnstaple, who have won only two of their last eight matches, Sidmouth have had a difficult start to the year, winning three out of eight.
Barnstaple, 12 times winners, have a long and proud history in the Devon Senior Cup and are desperate to return to their heyday in which they lifted the cup nine times between 1997 and 2010.
But since Neil Giddy's dropped goal gave them 28-25 win at Brixham in the 2010 final, they have not had much fun in the competition, losing to Newton Abbot and Exmouth in the semi-finals.
Those two meet in the other semi-final this year and the winner will stage the final.
Ian Thatcher is expected to start in the second row for Barnstaple after they banned Matt Gohl for two weeks. Gohl was sent off in last weekend's win over Maidenhead for tip tackling.
Kevin Squire, the director of rugby, has promised to pick his strongest available team.
Comments