DEVONPORT Services have boosted their squad further with the loan signing of Plymouth Albion back-row forward Taine Morgan and the addition of young back Harrison Coonick.
Shaun Crawford, who was a key member of their Devon Cup winning squad last season, has also signed permanently after spending last term on loan from Albion.
“I was on-loan last year and I loved it,” said centre Crawford, who not only helped Services win the Devon Cup for the first time but also claim a top four finish in their first season at level five.
“I always had high expectations as when I came here the team were used to winning, but winning the Devon Cup just topped it off. That was the cherry on the top.
“Other teams are going to look at us now after last season but that’s just part and parcel of doing well.”
Crawford admits he loves playing in Regional One South West because of all the derbies.
“From a player’s point of view this league is brilliant as there’s eight teams from Devon and Cornwall so there’s so many derbies,” said the former Launceston and Saltash player.
University of Plymouth number eight Morgan is hoping his loan spell at Services can help his rugby career.
The 19-year-old Welshman will continue to train with Albion but will be available for Services if he is not needed by the National League club, in a similar deal to what fellow student Tom Davies had with the two clubs last season.
The former Crymych player is relishing getting the chance to try and develop at Services.
“I’m going to be on-loan from Albion to hopefully get some game-time,” said Morgan. “I’m really excited about it and looking forward to it. It is a good set-up here.
“Hopefully, I can have a good season and see where it goes.”
Full-back Coonick has played in the same University of Plymouth side as Morgan and he is also hoping to develop at Services.
The former Taunton School player, who represented Devon, South West Lambs and Exeter DDP as a youngster, wants to establish himself in a senior club side.
He knows there is plenty of competition for a place in the team, but he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I am a very competitive person,” said Coonick, who is the stepson of former Albion favourite Nic Sestaret. “And I’m looking forward to it.”
Coonick describes himself as being ‘fast with a good step’ and as well as full-back can also play left wing and has also played in the centre.
Meanwhile, Services will play Albion home and away in pre-season. They will make the trip across the road to Brickfields on August 10 before Albion visit Brickfields on August 24.
Services are also due to play Launceston and Plymstock Albion Oaks in a three-way fixture on August 11, visit Tamar Saracens on August 18 and host Wadebridge Camels on August 19.