TAMAR Saracens’ hopes of rising up the Cornwall/Devon League table are set to be boosted by the return of a number of key players.

Last season’s Devon One champions have only won one game so far since their promotion into the division and currently sit second bottom of the table.

However, there is renewed optimism at the Ernesettle-based club after their performance against Plymstock Albion Oaks in their last outing and with players coming back into the fold.

Joe Wyatt and Joey Pook should be available for the start of next month after going travelling, while James Hannaford and Fin Gilding are returning from injury and Jack Martin and Dane Waryck should be available again this week after missing games.

Saracens have also re-signed second-row Dave Shepherd from Plymouth Argaum.

“We’ve got five or six first team players coming back into the fold and will make selection more difficult,” said coach Stuart Busfield. “We’ll have more players pushing for a spot.

“Having these players back will make a big difference. They are all natural leaders.

“We are looking forward to having the likes of Joe Wyatt and Dane Waryck back on the pitch. They will bring a real attacking edge to the back line. We’re really excited to have them back in the changing room.”

Saracens did not play last week. They pulled out of their Devon Cup match against South West One side Okehampton as they did not have enough prop forwards.

But in their last outing they pushed Plymstock Albion Oaks all the way at Horsham Fields before going down 15-7.

Afterwards Plymstock coach Tim Mathias praised Saracens’ performance and Busfield said that had given his players renewed belief.

“We really feel we have turned a corner with the game against Oaks last time out,” he said.

“Although we were gutted to lose, especially having a try disallowed, but the guys are buoyed.

“Oaks finished in the top five last season and we were unlucky not to beat them, so that’s given the guys confidence.

“The atmosphere at the club has changed.

“Tim Mathias said that if we keep playing like that we’d be all-right and the guys heard that.

“I think our confidence is growing every week. The word of this month has been positivity.”

That positivity will be put to the test this weekend by a Saltash side that are on a five-match winning run.

Although Saracens have boosted their squad, they have lost summer arrival Courtney Richards, who has moved to Ivybridge to try and play at a higher level.