IVYBRIDGE are once again playing a game of wait and see ahead of their scheduled away Regional Two South West fixture with bottom side Wellington.

The match has already been postponed twice due to a waterlogged pitch at the Athletic Ground and so has to be played this weekend.

As it is the first meeting between the sides this season, Ivybridge have offered to switch the fixture, but they are still waiting for a decision on the Wellington pitch.

“We have been in contact with Wellington and the RFU have said if their pitch is unavailable again they have to either make alternative arrangements up there or they have to come to us,” said Ivybridge head coach Steve Atkinson.

“Our pitch is available. We did tell them on Monday that we are happy to switch it, and we’ll come to them when it is drier.

“We are willing to travel or play it at our place. We just want to play rugby.”

Ivybridge have not played since January 17 as their away match with Crediton last weekend was also postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

“I know the weather can’t be helped,” said Atkinson.

“At least we are lucky as at least we are able to train normally. I bet there are some clubs that haven’t been able to even train.”

Atkinson is confident his team can overcome the uncertainty of where Saturday’s game might be played.

“We had a meeting on Tuesday with the lads just because the scenario is a bit out of the ordinary, but we just said we had to suck it up and deal with it,” he said.

“Our lads are really good to be fair. They just want to play rugby – they don’t care where they play.”

Sixth-placed Ivybridge will be big favourites to beat winless Wellington and move up into a play-off spot.

However, they are likely to have to make some changes to their team.

“We have got a few changes as it was meant to be a free weekend,” said Atkinson.

COUNTIES TWO AND THREE

TAVISTOCK will be playing at Ivybridge after their away match with Exeter Saracens was moved there due to waterlogged pitches at Exhibition Fields.

The match will be played at 11am, but after two postponements, both clubs just want the fixture played.

“A long away day has thankfully turned into a short, early hop over to Ivybridge,” said Tavistock head coach Leigh Puttock.

“Credit to Exeter Saracens for the common-sense call to hire the all-weather pitch, ensuring the game gets played. It is much appreciated.

“With no original fixture in the diary, selection has been a bit of a juggling act.

“A few lads had already made plans, while several heading to HQ (to watch England) is brilliant for them personally, it does make selection conversations interesting.

“That said, once again we’re delighted to welcome some of our colts into the senior set-up with the highly-promising Rory Cox set to make his first-team debut.”

He added: “Injuries continue to frustrate, most notably Josh Bloyes and his ankle. We’ll miss his versatility. These are always difficult decisions for a coach, especially when a player is desperate to put himself forward and would give everything for the club. But with some big games ahead, common sense has prevailed to allow Josh the chance to recover fully and hopefully feature consistently through the run-in.

“The young players stepping in will relish the opportunity to put their hands up.”

Puttock continued: “All-weather pitches bring a different challenge, but it should suit our more mobile pack. But that advantage will only pay dividends if we play in the right areas and look after the ball – cheap turnovers will be punished quickly on this surface.

“A shorter trip, a fresh challenge and another chance to show what Tavistock RFC are about.”

In Counties Three Devon South & West, Plympton Victoria and Old Techs will try for a third time to get their league match on (2pm).

The first fixture had to be postponed due to a shortage of referees, while last week it was postponed for a waterlogged pitch.

The teams are hopeful that St Mary’s Field will be playable this Saturday for the earlier than normal kick-off time.

Techs will be favourites and will be aiming to extend their winning streak to five games, but they will know that Plympton Victoria will make life tough for them.

CUP MATCHES

PLYMOUTH Argaum will be aiming to move another step closer to Twickenham when they host unbeaten Somerset South side Wells at Bickleigh Down in the last 16 of the Counties Three & Below RFU Community Championship Cup.

With a quarter-final spot up for grabs there is plenty to play for on Saturday at Roborough.

The game should originally have been played last weekend but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, but Argaum are confident they can play the game this week.

“We hope we can,” said head coach Dean Avery. “We will have a pitch inspection at 2pm on Friday.

“They were pushing for a reverse fixture, but we want a home game to try and get into the last eight.

“I think both teams have been without a game for a while and so want to play.

“They are planning on bringing a supporters’ coach, so it should be a good day.

“Wells are good, but we have only been beaten once at home this season and that was by Old Techs, so we have to fancy ourselves.

“Hopefully, we will be strong, and the guys can turn up and put a show on. Hopefully, the conditions might suit us.”

OPMs had been due to host Perranporth in the Counties Two RFU South Plate competition at King George V Playing Fields but that game has again been postponed due to unplayable pitches.

The Old Boys will be disappointed as they had been planning a centenary celebration day to mark 100 years since they were founded.