TITLE-chasing Devonport Services will be looking to get back to winning ways when they make the tough trip to the Forest of Dean to play Lydney in Regional One South West on Saturday.

Services lost their lead at the top of the table last weekend when they narrowly lost 28-24 away at Devon rivals Brixham.

They are now a point behind new leaders Chew Valley, who visit struggling Matson this weekend.

If Devonport are to bounce back then they will need to do what no-one else has done this season – win at Lydney.

The Gloucestershire side have won seven out of seven at home this season, but they have not yet played any of the top three.

“Like us, they are unbeaten at home and Lydney is always a tough place to go,” said Services head coach Ben Russell.

“They have beaten Launceston and Brixham at home and it is a big one for us as we can’t really afford one more error.”

He added: “There is pressure, but we are where we are because the boys are fighting week-in, week-out.

“The boys were gutted last week, as we all were that we lost the game, but we didn’t perform as well as we can. We just have to try and get back on the horse.

“But Lydney is a tough place to go because it’s a proper rugby club. It’s like Brixham, Barnstaple – a lot of clubs that don’t have football around and rugby is their main sport. It’s like the south and middle of France teams or Camborne and Redruth, where rugby is the main sport and always will be.”

Services are set to hand a first team debut to former Ivybridge back Charlie Groves, who has been impressing for the second team after joining the club from Plymouth Albion.

Richard West is also set to return at fly-half, while Tyler Busfield is back in the first team squad after also impressing in the second team.

“I think a couple of the twos boys deserve a bit of a shot as they have been performing week-in, week-out,” said Russell.

“Charlie (Groves) has not played yet for the first team but he has been champing at the bit and playing really well and so deserves it.

“Ty Busfield comes on the bench. He has been sensational for the twos and has played really well the last few weeks. They both deserve their shot.”

Services are still missing backs Dan Goldstone and Toby Knowles, while fellow back Harrison Coonick also misses the trip to the Forest of Dean.

In Counties Two Devon, OPMs face another tough away trip as they head to new league leaders Barnstaple II.

OPMs had afternoon to forget last weekend when they were beaten 99-0 by title-hopefuls Torquay Athletic.

“We just have to try and bounce back now,” said injured captain Billy Garratt.

However, they could hardly have asked for a tougher test and they are struggling due to injuries. 

Barnstaple are unbeaten at home this season and last weekend beat Devonport Services II 34-9.

In Counties Three Devon South & West, struggling Tavistock II are set to hand a debut to new signing Jacob Gaskin when they host Kingsbridge II at Sandy Park.

The Devon Under-20 back-row forward has moved to Tavistock from Ivybridge, where he was regular in their first team squad last season.

“It will be interesting to see how he goes tomorrow,” said Tavistock head coach Joel Caddy.

“He has trained with us and he looks like he’s got a good pedigree.”

Tavistock have also re-signed forward Leion Cole from Launceston.

“He’s been playing National Three for the last two or three seasons, so having him and Jake will bolster our pack,” said Caddy.

Injuries have been a big problem for Tavistock II this season, but they are hoping to finish the season strongly.

“I think things are starting to look up,” said Caddy. “And credit to the Moorlanders they have played every game, unlike some teams.

“They just have to look to put in an 80-minute performance this week, but Kingsbridge won’t be any slouches.”

In Counties Three Cornwall, Saltash II visit bottom side Bude II.

There is a Plymouth Combination cup game at King George V Playing Fields on Saturday with OPMs Jesters playing Plympton Victoria in the Ellis Trophy.

It should have been Plym Vic’s home match, but they had to switch it as Plymouth Dolphins have a game at St Mary’s Field.

Plym Vic beat Plymouth Argaum II in the previous round.

“It’s do-or-die now,” said Plym Vic chairman Chris Hunt. “And we certainly can’t be complacent as we know OPMs’ second team can have a bit of fire power.”