Pottington to be base for Raiders

By arjones

NORTH Devon Raiders will play their home games at Barnstaple Rugby Club's Pottington Road ground.

The Raiders will bring rugby league to North Devon for the first time in the game's 115-year history when they enter this summer's Co-operative Rugby League Conference.

They will have five home fixtures in the South West Division, all at Pottington, starting against champions Devon Sharks on Sunday, May 9.

Raiders also hope to play some friendlies at other grounds around North Devon.

Spokesman Keith Fillingham said: "We are very grateful to Barnstaple Rugby Club for allowing us to use their fine facilities, particularly chairman Martin Mogford and director of rugby Kevin Squire who have been more than helpful in meeting our requests and are fully supportive of the venture.

"With rugby league being a summer sport, the two codes will fit together neatly to utilise the facilities 12 months a year and be a way for players from all the union clubs in North Devon to maintain their fitness and possibly learn new skills.

"While the club will be based in Barnstaple for matches and training, we extend an invitation to players from all the North Devon clubs to give league a try.

"We see the Raiders as a North Devon representative side for rugby league and hope to play a couple of friendly games at other grounds in the area to thank them for their support."

Barum director of rugby Kevin Squire said: "We are delighted to be helping the Raiders out.

"We will do anything to help get the club off the ground."

A sign-on/taster session will be held at Pottington on Sunday, March 21, from 1pm.

Pre season training will begin on Wednesday evenings from April 7, then on Tuesdays from May.

To find out more about the club, go to www.northdevonrugbyleague.com, e-mail mail@northdevonrugbyleague.com or call secretary Roy Spear on 07738 983959.