LAST season’s Counties Two Devon champions Tavistock are expecting a tough opening pre-season test as they travel to 2022-23 Regional Two South West runners-up Crediton.
Tavistock are missing a number of players due to holidays, but are just looking forward to getting going again as they build for their first season in Counties One Western West.
“I think we have 23 players,” said head coach Joel Caddy ahead of the game. “It would have been nice to have a few more but people are away on holiday and stuff like that, so it is what it is.
“This could be the toughest game we play, but we’ve got nothing to lose. We saw what Services did to Albion the other night.
“We just have to make sure we do what has worked so well for us against Crediton.
“They should beat us, but I think we can hold our own against them.”
There has not been too many changes at Sandy Park this season.
Forward Mark Robson has returned to the club, while Marjon hooker/back-rower Elias Horsfield has joined them having previously been at Launceston. Also, a number of last season’s colts have moved up to the seniors.
However, they have suffered a blow with captain Martin Budden having to retire due to injury.
“That is a bit of a loss to say the least,” said Caddy. “But we have got seven colts from last season who are hanging round and they all look pretty good. They are probably going to get a baptism of fire this weekend.
“For some this weekend will be their first game in senior rugby and so we will find out about some of them and it is a chance for them to put a marker down.”
He added: “The vast majority of our players are still around from last season.
“Obviously, if new players decide they want to come to you then that’s great, but the lads here have got us to this level and they deserve a crack at it.
“We know it is not going to be a walk in the park this season. We are expecting it to be a hard season.
“We are just going to take it month by month and see where we are.
“The league we are going into is unknown territory, but we’ll be unknown to everyone else as well.”
As well as playing Crediton, Tavistock will also play Plymouth Argaum and OPMs in pre-season.