Old Techs v St Boniface Old Boys in January

OLD TECHS will have new opponents for their annual New Year’s Day rugby match.

For years Techs have played St Boniface Old Boys, but they will start 2017 by hosting Tamar Saracens at Weston Mill (2.30pm).

St Boniface Old Boys, who beat Saltash on Boxing Day, were unsure whether they would be able to get a team for the New Year clash, so Saracens stepped in to guarantee a fixture. However, St Boniface Old Boys players will be welcome if they fancy a match.

“It’s a bit of a shame not to play St Boniface Old Boys,” said Old Techs coach Shaun Bedford-Smith. “I am not sure how long that fixture has been going but it must be about 30 years.

“But it’s nice to keep the tradition of playing on New Year’s Day.

“People have not played for a couple of weeks and so it will be good just to have a run around.

“We have said if there are any St Boniface players who want a game to come down.

“It will be just good to have a run out and celebrate the New Year with a few drinks afterwards.”

Both Old Techs and Tamar Saracens will be looking to hit the ground running when the league season resumes on January 7.

Promotion-chasing Techs have a big Devon Two match away at Buckfastleigh. The teams sit third and fourth in the table with almost identical records and want to keep the pressure of Dartmouth and OPMs at the top.

Cornwall/Devon League’s bottom club Saracens remain hopeful they can turn their season around in the New Year. They will open their 2017 league fixtures with a tough trip to Penryn.