DEVONPORT Services will be the latest opponents for the Plymouth Fiji rugby team on Saturday at the Rectory (2.30pm).
The South Sea Islands side, largely made up of servicemen in the region, pushed an Ivybridge XV hard at Cross-in-Hand two weeks ago.
The Fiji team, producing some stunning attacking play, were 16 points up with 15 minutes to go but Ivybridge dug deep to score four late tries and run out 57-47.
Saturday will be Western Counties West side Services’ first pre-season run out. With a number of their players featuring for the Plymouth Fiji team, Services are likely to have a look at a few new signings and some players who have decided to return to the club.
Meanwhile, Ivybridge continue their preparation for life in National Three South West when they travel to Wadebridge (2.30pm).
Ivybridge are taking two squads down to Cornwall and will play three 30 minute matches against the Western Counties West side.
“The seconds will play the first session, then the firsts will play and then we will have a mix-and-match team for the third period,” said Ivybridge team manager Neil Thomson.
“After Saturday’s match we then play Launceston away next Friday before taking on Exeter University. We have done well getting these three really good pre-season games.”
He added: “We are getting really good numbers at training and Gareth Elliot and Lewis Paterson have got pre-season going really well.
“There is a fantastic atmosphere at the club at the moment.”
Plymouth Argaum had been hoping to arrange a match for this weekend after their game last Saturday at Wyvern was called off. However, they have not been successful and so will hold a training session at Bickleigh Down instead ahead of their opening pre-season fixture against Saltash the following week.
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