TEENAGE forward Harri Hayman could be in line for a surprise first team debut as Devonport Services host fourth-placed Taunton Titans at the Rectory on Saturday in National Two West.
There could also be a first start for young back Dylan Harbour as bottom side Services look to cause an upset and boost their hopes of staying up.
Hayman has only just got approval to play senior rugby and had his first run-out last week for Services II against Torquay Athletic.
But he impressed enough to be in contention for a place on the bench this weekend.
“He did really well against Torquay,” said Services head coach Ben Russell. “And he might now get the chance to play at level four against a former National One side.”
Harbour could start in place of George Pooley (pictured), who played his final game last Saturday ahead of going in the Royal Navy.
“Last weekend was George Pooley’s last game,” said Russell. “He has been brilliant all year. I think he has found his place on the wing. He has real confidence going forward. He has been one of our most consistent backs since Christmas.”
Services are still without backs Richard West, Charlie Groves, Harrison Coonick, Henry Gliddon, Dylan Daley, Toby Knowles and Jack Ryder.
They are also waiting on the fitness of captain Matt Gregory before confirming their pack.
Gregory had to miss last week’s defeat at Redruth after picking up a back injury in the warm-up.
Fellow forwards James Hocking, Joe Stansfield and Mike Rickard are still missing.
Services have won their last two home matches and Russell knows they need to try and pick up something this weekend to give them a chance of catching the teams above them.
“There’s just five games left now,” he said. “And we have to get something out of our home games. We have three home games left – Taunton, Hornets and Bournville.
“It was just a bit of a shame that we didn’t get anything out of the game last week (away at Redruth). We just didn’t turn up defensively.
“We can’t do the same again this week or we will get smashed as Taunton are a good side and were in National One last year.
“But we’ll just have to see what happens on Saturday.”
He added: “We started the year with a lot of players injured and unavailable and it not like we have got everyone back at the same time. Whenever anyone does come back, someone else gets injured.
“But the boys have been cracking. They just keep plugging away and battling.”
Elsewhere, Saltash II’s are set to play their third game in seven days when they face Counties Three Cornwall title-winners Camborne II at home in the Duchy Cup on Saturday.
The Ashes second string have had a good week. They beat Launceston II 41-14 away on Saturday and on Wednesday evening narrowly edged out Old Techs 27-26 in the Ellis Trophy quarter-finals.