Old Techs, who won the Lockie Cup in April, will be bidding to try and reach another cup final this weekend

OLD TECHS will be looking to overcome higher league opposition and book a place in the inaugural David Butt Memorial Trophy on Saturday.

The city side, who won the Lockie Cup in April, travel to Devon One outfit Totnes, with the winners meeting either New Cross or Torrington in a showpiece final to be held at National Two side Barnstaple’s ground on Sunday, October 23.

Techs would love to reach the final but they know they will have to be at their best to see off Totnes, who topped a group that featured OPMs, Dartmouth and Salcombe.

“We are really looking forward to it,” said Old Techs’ Shaun Bedford-Smith.

“It is a big game and it’s an opportunity for us to test ourselves against higher league opposition and see where we are.”

Old Techs are unbeaten so far this season. They won their home and away pool matches against DHSOB and Plympton Victoria and also beat Saltash seconds in a friendly.

Totnes did lose to Dartmouth last weekend, but they had already booked their place in the semi-final and so Techs know they cannot read too much into that result.

“It is going to be tough,” said Bedford-Smith. “They are a pretty established Devon One side.

“They always seem to be pretty big up front and when we have played them before they have always been tough battles.

“If we could reach the final it would help our momentum and also help keep players interested.

“We know we are going to have to play really well, but we can do it.

“A few seasons ago we beat Totnes at their place, so we have done it before.

“But both teams have probably changed since them. We won’t know much about them and they won’t know that much about us.

“We do know OPMs have given them a good couple of games.

“But we just want to go up there and give a good account of ourselves.”

“We had a rest last weekend. We had a few knocks and a few away, so we gave the lads a Saturday off. Hopefully, those players carry knocks will be back.”

He added: “We have not lost yet, but we’ve not played opposition of this quality yet. We know we need to play collectively well, but we’re really looking forward to a test like this so early in the season.”

Kick-off at Totnes is 3pm.