PLYMOUTH Argaum will be looking to repeat the performance they produced last week against Old Techs in the RFU Community Cup when they entertain Totnes at Bickleigh Down on Saturday in Counties Three Devon South & West.
The match should have been played three weeks ago but had to be postponed as there was no available referee to take charge of the fixture.
Argaum do go into Saturday’s game boosted by their 55-13 cup win over Techs at Weston Mill.
And they know they will need to be on-form again against a much-improved Totnes side, who have only lost once in the league this term – a narrow 29-24 defeat to Paignton II.
“It was nice to get a ‘W’ last week against Old Techs,” said Argaum head coach Dean Avery, who had seen his side lose to Tamar Saracens and Brixham II before that.
“It obviously did make a big difference having some of the big boys back. Fortunately, we have got (Adam) Walker, Smithy (Dan Smith) and (Tom) Worboys available again and that does help us get on the front foot.”
He added: “We were frustrated we couldn’t get the game on with Totnes before through no fault of our own as we just couldn’t get a referee.
“They did beat Tamar Saracens, but they did lose to Paignton II and we are not totally sure how they will travel.
“I see my old Brixham and Newton Abbot colleague Kyle Browne has been putting the shirt on for them this season. We sort of followed each other around clubs for about 10 years. And Martin Browne is also coaching them.
“We are looking forward to the game.
“The weather is not look fantastic so it might be a case of having to put it up our jumpers a bit more.”
He added: “We are missing Reece Boase, Adam McCrohan, Jake Turfrey and Will Lloyd. It was meant to be a free weekend so people have things arranged.
“We need a huge squad just to get a team out each week.”
Avery is likely to have to pull on his boots again. He came on as a replacement last weekend in their cup match and scored a try.
“It is looking like I might be making an appearance on the bench again,” he said. “I did thoroughly enjoy it against Old Techs, and sneaked a try, but it is difficult to play as well as coach.”
Plympton Victoria will finally play their first home match of the season on Saturday when they host Devonport Services III in the first round of the Ellis Trophy (2.30pm).
The Counties Three Devon South & West side have been unable to play at their St Mary’s Field venue this term due to a water supply problem.
But the council have now fixed the issue and so Plym Vic can finally return to familiar surroundings.
“We are very much looking forward to playing at home again,” said Plym Vic chairman Chris Hunt.
“It is going to be so nice to be back – and it would be even nicer if we could get a win.
“But we know they are a big club. Arguably they are the second biggest club in the area, next to Albion, and they have a big spread of players.
“Their thirds have had some good performances and some big wins this season.
“But we have a full squad and some subs and we’re looking forward to it.”
Old Techs had also been due to be in Ellis Trophy action against Plymouth Marjon at Weston Mill, but the students have handed the Counties Three side the walkover.
Devonport Services’ first team are not in action this weekend, but their second team is due to host Sidmouth II at the Rectory in the Devon 2nd XV Cup (1pm).
Services II are set to hand a debut to former Brixham, Plymouth Albion and Redruth centre Jesse Lowe.
He will line-up in a backline that also includes Charlie Groves, Billy Sutton, Mike Howell, Luke Stannard, Toby Moss and Warren Weerakoon.
Ivybridge II are also due to be in action in the Devon 2nd XV Cup. They are set to host Crediton II at Cross-in-Hand, while Plymstock Oaks II are due to visit Cullompton in the same competition.