SALTASH begin their 2015/16 rugby season for real on Saturday when they travel to Bodmin in the first round of the Cornwall Cup (2.30pm).
The two clubs were in the same division last season, but Saltash are now a league higher having won promotion to Western Counties West.
The Ashes did beat Bodmin 62-15 and 45-0 last year, but they are expecting a tough battle this weekend after just one warm-up run-out.
Saltash are also going to take a second team down to Clifden Park, so that all their players can get a match.
The Moorlands Lane club did give most of their senior squad a run-out last Saturday against Plymouth Argaum.
The two clubs played five 20 minutes of rugby with both swapping players around for the different periods.
Argaum will continue their preparations for life in the Cornwall/Devon League on Saturday when they entertain OPMs at Bickleigh Down (3pm).
The two Plymouth clubs swapped places in league rugby last year, with OPMs dropping down to Devon One and Argaum claiming promotion.
“We haven’t really got a clue what to expect from OPMs,” said Argaum director of rugby Dave Sansom.
“But they’ve always been a good side and I think they still are, even though they’ve gone down.
“We had a very good day at Saltash last week. We enjoyed it and I think Saltash did as well.
“Saltash are a very good, fit side, who I think will do well in the league above.
“We had quite a few players missing last week, but hopefully we’ll have better numbers this week.”
Argaum’s seconds will also take on OPMs seconds at Bickleigh Down (2.30pm).
Ivybridge will conclude their National Three South West preparations on Saturday when they host Exeter University at Cross-in-Hand (3pm).
It will be another tough test for the Bridgers, who have already had good games against Launceston and Wadebridge.
Ivybridge’s second team, meanwhile, will travel to newly-promoted Cornwall/Devon side Plymstock Albion Oaks (2.30pm).
Devonport Services were hoping to find a pre-season match for Saturday, but have been left disappointed. They are now trying to find opponents to play on Tuesday night instead.
On Sunday, the Paul Lethbridge Memorial Day takes place at Tamar Saracens’ ground at Ernesettle.
The day will see veteran sides from Lethbridge’s former clubs Saracens, Old Techs and DHSOB play each other, starting at 1pm. There will also be an under-11 fixture at noon and a bouncy castle and hog roast.
View South West rugby pre-season fixtures HERE