TAMAR Saracens have received an unexpected promotion to the Counties Two Devon league.
Saracens thought they had missed out yet again on moving up to level eight after finishing as runners-up in Counties Three Devon South & West for a second year running.
But an extra place became available in the league above and Saracens have been offered it.
And they decided to take the chance to join the likes of Devonport Services II, OPMs and Plymouth Argaum in the higher division.
“It was a bit of a shock,” admitted director of rugby Pete Lethbridge. “But I think the RFU have seen the consistency we have shown over the last couple of seasons.
“As I said at the AGM, we just have to take it and just grasp the challenge with both hands.
“There are a few Plymouth teams in the league and Dartmouth will be in it as well and we’ll probably actually have less travelling.
“We just have to have the same attitude as OPMs and Argaum had last year and battle it out and make sure we stay in the league. I think we can compete in that league.
“We know it is going to be a challenge, but we have wanted to go up for the last couple of seasons and now we have that chance.
“Our main aim for the season will be to stay in the league and also get a second team up and running and build from there and try and get a few more sponsors.”
Saracens, who recently added Harrison Reburn and Chris McDonald to their coaching team, are already looking to strengthen their squad.
Lewis Swatton has returned to the Parkway from Ivybridge and head coach Mike Lewis is hoping to add a few more new faces soon.
The club are currently running open touch rugby sessions on a Wednesday during this month before starting pre-season training at the start of July.
Meanwhile, Lethbridge has praised Dan Leeson, who had decided to step down as the club’s chairman before news of their promotion broke.
“He has really put a lot of hard work into the club,” said Leeson. “He deserves a big shout out and he has really pushed the club in the right direction.
“He has worked wonders these last four of five years, but he just feels he needs to step back now.”