Brixham beaten but still a memorable advert for rugby in Devon

The result on the pitch did not go their way but everyone at Brixham Rugby Club can hold their heads high after a superb Devon Cup Final at Astley Park.

Exmouth RFC prevailed on the day with a 36-28 triumph and understandable frustration from the Brixham team, who had just fallen short on the big day, but the wider picture was a fabulous event hosted by the club.

John Drew, President of the Devon Rugby Union, summed up the success with this letter penned to the club: “Your support, planning and enthusiasm to make it a perfect day was outstanding.

“I know from your club's point of view the result on the pitch was disappointing but, we were treated to a game which could only reflect the standard of the players involved. Everything off the pitch was brilliant and I had the privilege of meeting some enthusiastic members of your club who were proud to be associated with Brixham Rugby Club. In fact, words are not enough!

“Coupled with this can I thank you on behalf of the county for your hard work involved with Devon Cup competitions in what has been a difficult year. Please pass on my thanks to all members of your club who helped to make yesterday so successful.”

Chris Forster, chairman of Brixham Rugby Club, echoed those comments: “To all Brixham Rugby Club Members & Supporters, all who were at Astley Park and also those of you from across the country and wider around the world.

“I would like to take a little time to reflect and to say thank you to everyone for all of your fantastic support.

“Yesterday was an incredible day for all at Brixham RFC. A very competitive game played and a wonderful demonstration of local Rugby and what the Devon Cup really does mean to clubs that care about this great competition in Devon; this is one of the oldest cup competitions in the country.

“I am sure that we would all want to say huge congratulations to JJ, Chairman at Exmouth RFC, the club, their supporters, and especially the team that won the Devon Cup yesterday. You were the better side on the day, and deserved the win.

“To our Captain, Jordan Watson, and all the INCREDIBLE Brixham team, ‘Thank You’. We know that you ‘Left Nothing on the Park’ and that you did the club proud. To Adam, Richard, John, Barry, Pete, Dan and all the support team, thank you for all your hard work in preparing the team; once again we are so thankful to each of you.

“We would like to thank and acknowledge VX-3, our match sponsors and all other sponsors who supported us so well before and on the day.

“On behalf of all those who enjoyed the day, (although maybe not the result), we want to say, how incredible ALL the volunteers are that worked so hard. What you all contributed was absolutely fantastic. I would love to name all of you, but I know I would unintentionally leave some out, so please forgive me, that I don’t. Just to say that at Brixham RFC we are so proud and pleased to have so many volunteers that are prepared to give their own time and support the ‘Fishermen’ at Brixham RFC.

“Finally, I want to pay a special tribute to Pete Cox, Bar & Functions Manager, and ALL the bar, cleaning and catering teams that worked so hard and delivered so well to all of us.

“Once again a big thank you to YOU.”

Well done to all at Brixham RFC and congratulations to Exmouth. Sport is not only about the result on the pitch!