OLD TECHS are determined to enjoy playing in the inaugural David Butt Memorial Trophy final, according to coach Shaun Bedford-Smith.
The Devon Two side will face higher league outfit New Cross in Sunday’s showpiece event at Barnstaple’s Pottingham Road ground (2.30pm).
Techs booked their spot after beating another Devon One side, Totnes 28-18 away on Saturday, in a match that went to extra-time.
“Any cup final means something and this being the first year that they have done this one makes it even greater,” said Bedford-Smith.
“It’s something to look back on and say we were part of that. It would be nice to be the first team to win it.”
The new competition was set-up this year to offer more matches to Devon One and Two sides.
It was named in honour of former Devon RFU chairman David Butt, who died suddenly in April at the age of 63.
Butt was from Barnstaple and played for the north Devon club, which is why the final is being played at Pottingham Road.
“It’s a long way to go, but, hopefully, we’ll take a coach up and have some supporters,” said Bedford-Smith.
“We just want to enjoy the day. Now we are in the final we can enjoy it. It will be a good day out.
“This early in the season to be in a final is great for us.
“It was also great beating a Devon One side to get there.
“People said we had an easy route, but we have come and beat an established Devon One side, so I don’t think anyone can argue with that.”
Bedford-Smith admits it will be difficult to select a team, with lots of players having put their hands up to start.
“It’s going to be really hard to pick a team now,” he said. “We used all our replacements we could use on Saturday and they all came on and did a job.
“It is a 20-man game now and you need to be able to bring players on who can do something is good.
“But it’s going to be tough to select the side.”