SALTASH will be hoping that it will be third time lucky in Counties Two Cornwall after narrowly missing out on promotion by the smallest of margins in the past two seasons.
The Ashes have finished as runners-up in Counties Two Cornwall two years in a row.
They were frustratingly pipped to the title in 2022-23 by St Ives, despite only losing one match all season.
And last year they just lost out to Redruth II, despite scoring four or more tries in every match and finishing with a massive 103 points from 22 games.
Their disappointment over the last couple of seasons are driving them on and they have shown their strength in pre-season, with a victory over higher league Plymstock Oaks and big wins over Counties Two Devon sides OPMs and Devonport Services.
“The goal remains the same and all eyes are just on the prize,” said player-coach Lewis Wells.
“I don’t think it is any secret what our goal is, and I think there are a lot of teams in this league who want us to get out of it, just as much as we do.”
Saltash have kept most of last season’s squad and have more youngsters coming through, while experienced prop Andy Knight has returned to the club after spells at Launceston and Ivybridge.
“We have certainly got a lot more depth,” said Wells on this season’s squad.
“Obviously, some of the colts will be leaving to go to uni, but, like we said, we have regained some older faces. I certainly think the ship will be steady and it will be good.
“There have been some really impressive performances in pre-season.”
Falmouth have come down into the league from the higher division, while Hayle and Wadebridge II have come up.
“Falmouth are old foes of ours,” said Wells. “We used to have some really good run-outs against each other, but I’m pretty sure the last five games we have beaten them.
“Wadebridge II have come up and they will be in the mix as they are in a good catchment area.”
The Ashes will start their season away at St Just, who finished seventh last season, before the Moorlands Lane club take on Bodmin, Veor and Falmouth in their other games this month.
Liskeard-Looe, who will be hoping to improve on their ninth-placed finish last term, start their 2024-25 campaign with a home game against Helston at Lux Park.