DEVONPORT Services head coach Ben Russell says he has a better idea of where his team stand ahead of their National Two West debut after their opening pre-season match against higher league Plymouth Albion.

Services were beaten 38-5 at Brickfields by Plymouth, who finished fourth in National One last season, having trailed 24-5 at half-time.

Devonport were missing the likes of Aiden Taylor, Oli Symons, Richard West, Dylan Daley and Mike Hunt, who were all away, and the injured Mike Rickard and Matt Neyle.

“It was a lovely fixture to have,” said Russell. “The neck and shoulders were sore afterwards as it was very physical.

“Albion showed why they are at that level. They were big and powerful and drove us over from three mauls, but it was a good run out.

“I came out happy and knowing where we are and where we can get to.

“We just have to keep growing towards those first league games of the year, which are Bournville (for the firsts) and Honiton (for the seconds).”

With Symons and Taylor missing the Albion match, it meant a chance in the front-row for youngster Yianni Costas and Tyler Busfield, who is looking to convert from the back-row.

“Yianni probably only played 100 minutes of level five rugby last year but he was up against level three side Albion so that was good for him,” said Russell.

“We were also able to get Tyler on to the pitch at tight-head. He got a good 45 minutes in the front-row.”

He added: “We had a lot of boys who have not really played first team rugby and I want them to push on and it was about getting match fitness.”

Services will continue their pre-season preparations this weekend when they make the tough trip to Barnstaple.

“We went for Barnstaple as we know it is a hard place to go and win,” said Russell. “They are a big side and, like I said, it is just about getting into the best place we can for the start of the year.

“We will have some boys back, but we are still missing a couple.”

Plymstock Oaks and Plympton Victoria also opened their pre-season campaigns at the weekend.

Oaks were beaten 69-7 away at higher league Crediton, while Plym Vic went down 40-28 away at Exeter Athletic.