In The Media: Barnstaple return to National Two West determined to learn from past challenges

Back in National Two West, Barnstaple are keen to learn the lessons from their last stint at Level Four as they gear up for the new campaign which begins in just under five weeks time. (Photo Credit: Bob Collins)

Relegated alongside Stourbridge in 2022/23, Barum returned to the National Leagues after securing the Regional 1 South West title last term.

Speaking to The Rugby Paper’s Ben Jaycock, Director of Rugby Phil Gordon‑Oke stressed the need for full 80‑minute performances as Barnstaple look to steer clear of any relegation scraps.

He admitted the previous campaign in National Two West was undone by costly fade‑outs in the latter stages of games, a flaw he’s determined to erase as Barnstaple look to compete.

“Our pre-season is really strongly based around no mistakes and looking after the ball,” the Barnstaple boss told TRP. “And we’ve really got into the boys about looking after themselves, and making sure they can last 80 minutes.

“Last time we were in the games up until the last 20 minutes. Then other teams would make a couple of changes, and we couldn’t match that quality. That’s where the game was taken away from us.”

Barnstaple’s identity is deeply tied to its community. Many players hail from the local area, with Gordon-Oke himself having played as a Colt, captained the first team before moving into coaching at Pottington Road.

The club prides itself on developing homegrown talent, and that will be central as they prepare for life back in National Two West.

“We’ve dug deep through the club to make sure that all the lads playing, bar one or two, have come through the junior section to give us a real strong spirit,” Gordon-Oke said. “That really got us there last year.”

Barnstaple went toe‑to‑toe with Brixham last season, edging them to promotion by just two points despite matching their rivals’ win‑loss record. It was Barum’s knack of securing crucial bonus points that allowed them to “pull results out of the bag” when it mattered most.

Belief may well be high in Devon as last year’s triumph could fuel another strong campaign. Barum kick off their 2025/26 season in front of their loyal Pottington Road faithful against Old Redcliffians on September 6th.

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