JOE DALEY was delighted to get the chance to make one last appearance for Devonport Services before emigrating to Australia.
It had looked like the front-row forward might miss out on a farewell appearance for the club when he suffered a knee injury in their opening game of the season.
But he managed to recover just in time to play his part in Services’ 25-17 away derby win over neighbours Ivybridge on Saturday.
It was his 148th first team appearance for Services during which time he helped the club to two promotions and a Devon Senior Cup victory.
“I did my knee against Matson and I was hoping to get to my 150th game before I left, but I have finished just shy, which is annoying,” said Daley.
“But it was good to play and get the win (against Ivybridge). It wasn’t our prettiest of wins, but in a derby game it is always going to be tight.”
On his highlights at Services, Daley said: “There’s too many, but probably the promotions.
“We’ve had a couple of promotions and the boys are buying in and are really behind each other.
“I played for the club in Western Counties and now we are up to the South West Premier and it’s great to see the club there and I think Ben (Russell) is going to take us to next the level.
“It’s a great club and I’d say to anyone wanting to get involved with rugby to come on down.”
Daley leaves England for Australia on Friday.
“I will miss the Launceston game, which is a bit gutting,” he said.
“We are going to be travelling around but eventually we will end up on the Gold Coast, just south of Brisbane.”
Daley admitted it was a big decision to move to the other side of the world, but he knows exactly what he is getting into having already spent some time there and he also has a new rugby club already lined up.
“We went over (to Australia) during Covid for a two-year gap before coming back,” he said.
“And I used to play for a team called Lennox Head and they have asked me to come back.”