Tamar Saracens enjoyed cup success last season
TAMAR Saracens coach Stuart Busfield says there will be no excuses if they don’t win the RFU South West Vase final on Saturday and move to within touching distance of Twickenham.
The city side travel to Gloucestershire outfit Widden Old Boys in the South West final, with the winner taking on the London and South East champions.
Busfield admits it is a ‘huge’ weekend for the Devon One club, who will be at full strength for the game.
Gloucester One promotion-hopefuls Widden are coached by former Gloucester star Adam Eustace.
“It is absolutely huge for Tamar Saracens to be representing Devon and Cornwall in the South West final,” said Busfield. “It is something we are immensely proud of and something that means a lot to us.
“But, more importantly, we are focused on try to get to the next level and representing the South of England in the competition.
“Also, if we were to win this weekend, I think that will help drive us on for the rest of the season and people will do well then to stop us getting promoted.”
Busfield says his team are certainly ready for Saturday’s game.
“We had a really big fitness session earlier in the week to make sure everyone was fit,” said Busfield. “A couple said they were fit but we need to be sure.
“And, for the first time this season, we are at full strength and we can pick everyone we wanted to, so there will be no excuses on the day.
“There were some very, very disappointed players who did not make the squad and that’s always difficult, but I want to thank them for the way they have taken it. They have really backed the squad and had a good mind-set.”
A number of the Tamar Saracens players are travelling up on Friday night to give themselves the best preparation.
Sarries do know a bit about Widden as their players Blake and Chad Smith used to play for the Gloucestershire outfit. Their dad was also involved with Widden for many years, but this weekend is sponsoring Tamar Saracens.
Busfield, meanwhile, is looking forward to coming up against Eustace.
Busfield added: “Adam Eustace knows a bit about the game and I’m looking forward to pitching my wits against him.”
Plymouth Albion’s director of rugby Graham Dawe, meanwhile, has wished Tamar Saracens well this weekend against the team where his assistant coach Simon Lane used to be involved with.
“Good luck to Tamar Saracens,” said Dawe. “It would be great for Plymouth if they could progress to the next round.”