DEVONPORT Services expect another big test on Saturday when they make their first league trip to Dockham Road to play Cinderford in National Two West.
The two clubs were both in different divisions last season, with Cinderford coming down from National One and Services coming up from Regional One South West.
Cinderford lost their opening two games but have beaten Hinkley and Clifton away in their last two outings, whereas Services are still waiting for their first National League win.
Devonport have not been helped by a lengthy injury list and this weekend they are almost missing an entire team.
As well as James Hocking, Mark Friend, Mike Rickard, Harrison Coonick, Toby Knowles, Matt Neyle and Charlie Groves, who have been out with long-term injuries, Services will also be without Aiden Taylor, Oli Symons, Dan Goldstone, Kyle Felton, Henry Gliddon and Alex Thomas this weekend.
“We just have to crack on,” said Devonport head coach Ben Russell.
“We are competitive, and we are playing well, despite all our injuries.
“It is just those little mistakes that have been costing us. In this league there is an 80 per cent conversion rate and so any little errors can cost you.”
With front-row forwards Symons and Taylor both unavailable, Yianni Costas could be handed his first National League start at hooker, while Andy Pond is set to come back into the pack for Felton, and Jack Evans and Kieran Down could also come into the starting line-up.
There could also be a first team call-up for young back Leighton Stark who has impressed in the second team.
Russell knows playing Cinderford will be a challenge.
“They have got a good, big pack,” said Russell. “They are a bit like Luctonians and try to dominate teams up front but also have some good backs.”
While Services are in league action, most other teams will be turning their attentions to cup matches this weekend.
Ivybridge should have been playing their Regional One South West rivals Brixham away in the Devon Senior Cup, but that match has been cancelled after the Bridgers were unable to raise a first team. Brixham will now meet either Sidmouth or Okehampton in the semi-finals.
However, Ivybridge’s second team are due to host Barnstaple II in the Devon Second XV Cup.
Also in the second team cup, an understrength Devonport Services II side will head to Torquay Athletic II.
Counties One Western West leaders Plymstock Oaks will host higher league Cullompton in the Devon Intermediate Cup at Horsham Fields on Saturday.
Oaks are unbeaten in Western West, while Cullompton only have one win in Regional Two South West.
“Cullompton are in the league above and it’s the kind of test I want to see us have,” said Oaks head coach Lewis Paterson.
“If we were able to win a game like that, then I think that would be huge in terms of confidence and even if not, then we know what we need to do in our season to get it right. I can only see benefits to it.
“And for me, I want the guys playing every week as it’s just consistency and regular rugby.”
There is a cup double header at King George V Playing Fields were OPMs will take on their city rivals Plymouth Argaum in a joint Devon Junior Cup and Lockie Cup quarter-final match (2pm).
Although both clubs know it would be tough to win the Lockie Cup with Saltash and Devonport Services II standing in their way, whoever progresses in the Devon Cup will feel they have a chance with Withycombe, Dartmouth, Totnes, Exeter Athletic, Old Techs and Salcombe the other teams in the competition.
“I think both clubs will think the Devon Cup is a winnable competition,” said Argaum head coach Dean Avery, who is hoping for a response from his side after a makeshift team was well beaten by Tamar Saracens last Saturday.
“We have got a better side out this week,” added Avery. “We should have our Royal Marines back and we have got 20 players.”
Old Techs should have been playing away at Salcombe in the Devon Junior Cup on Saturday, but the tie has been cancelled as the Crabs are unable to raise a side. The two sides had only met a fortnight ago, with Techs winning 60-20.
However, Techs have managed to arrange a second team/club XV fixture this weekend against the University of Plymouth III at Weston Mill.
Techs will look to use it to give game-time to players who didn’t start for the first team last weekend.
“It is good we have managed to get a game,” said Techs’ Shaun Bedford-Smith. “It is going to give lads some game-time, which is what we are trying to do. We need to do that now we have such a big squad.”
Techs have also added to their squad this week by signing young prop Jacob Mitchell from Tavistock.
Meanwhile, Saltash are hosting a testimonial match on Saturday morning for Steve Omelia.
The Ashes stalwart, who has been involved with the club for 40 years, was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The club have set a target of trying to raise more than £1,000 for Parkinson’s UK.
The Saltash side will feature a host of former favourites as well as current stars Lewis Wells, Ryan Rayner, Will Morton and James Moriarty.
The Combination are still looking to boost their ranks for the match. Anyone interested should meet at 10.30am for the 11.30am start.
Saltash’s second team are also in action as they host St Austell III at Moorlands Lane in a re-arranged Counties Three Devon match (3pm).