WHILE the long, hot summer was enjoyed by many, the impact of the prolonged dry spell proved challenging for community rugby.

With concerns over player safety, the RFU delayed the start of the community rugby season and, following a disrupted pre-season programme, we are now looking forward to the start of the competitive season.

While exceptionally hard pitches led to the cancellation of several pre-season fixtures, affecting preparations across the club, several of our sides were able to get valuable game time under their belts, providing plenty of encouragement ahead of the league campaign.

Our 1st XV remain in Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West, where we will renew rivalries across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

With last season's defeats to local neighbours Tiverton and Okehampton still fresh in the memory, the squad will be determined to make amends.

The division has a new look this year, with Weston-super-Mare, Wellington and Cullompton departing, while Nailsea & Backwell, Sherborne and Wiveliscombe provide fresh challenges in what is expected to be another fiercely competitive campaign.

Encouragingly, the side were able to come through pre-season with an excellent 17-14 victory away at Exmouth, a performance that provided a timely boost ahead of the league opener.

Our 2nd XV begin their second season in Counties 2 Tribute Ale Devon eager to build on last year's experiences and establish themselves more firmly in the division.

While Devonport Services, Ivybridge and Dartmouth have moved on, the arrival of Brixham, Exmouth and Plymstock Oaks increases the quality and competitiveness of an already demanding league. The squad have demonstrated they can compete at this level and will be aiming for greater consistency to convert performances into results throughout the season.

A hard-fought 31-27 defeat at home to Exeter Saracens during pre-season showed plenty of promise and suggested the group is moving in the right direction.

Our 3rd XV will compete in the newly named Paul Harris Devon League, a varied and competitive competition featuring twelve 2nd and 3rd XV sides.

The team will look to build upon the successes of recent seasons while continuing to provide an inclusive rugby environment for players of all ages and abilities. Maintaining that balance between competitiveness and participation remains one of the side's key strengths.

Our Women's XV embark on another season in NC1 South West (West) with ambitions of continuing their impressive development.

Following the departures of Okehampton and Avonmouth, the league welcomes Trojans Women II and Ellingham & Ringwood, presenting new challenges and some significant away journeys.

Having made positive strides last season, the squad will be aiming for increased consistency and to establish themselves as genuine contenders within the division.

Their only pre-season fixture ended in a 52-38 defeat to Okehampton, but the performance itself offered plenty of encouragement and highlighted the continued progress being made within the squad.

The club's Colts have also enjoyed valuable preparation ahead of the season, facing strong opposition from Exeter School, Exeter Athletic and Sidmouth. While results did not go their way, each performances showed positive improvement, encouraging signs and highlighted the potential within a talented young group.

It’s an exciting time for the U18 Girls who have teamed up with Newton Abbott, Cullompton and Okehampton to take part in the inaugural Cornwall & Devon U18 Girls League. It is a group where numbers are light so new players are always welcome.

Our Junior Section remains the heartbeat of Crediton RFC and one of our greatest strengths. Continued growth in participation across both boys' and girls' rugby is testament to the dedication of our coaches, volunteers and parents, who freely give their time to develop the next generation of players.

With strong numbers, excellent age-grade progression and a thriving mini section, we are confident of another brilliant season.

Thankfully, the wait is finally over. Competitive rugby returns this Saturday and our 148th season promises to be another exciting chapter, with strong competition and eagerly anticipated fixtures across all sections of the club. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Blagdon!

This Saturday: 1st XV v Winscombe (A), 2nd XV v Exeter Saracens (H), 3rd XV v Teignmouth (A) & Colts XV v Barnstaple (H). This Sunday: Women’s XV v Yeovil (H).

Jay Harris