Cup clash provides tough challenge for Bridgers' league date
IVYBRIDGE coach Neil Thomson – whose side face Truro tomorrow – is hoping his squad will not be too battered from their cup clash derby with OPMs last night.
Thomson was planning on using 'fringe' first-teamers for their the Devon Intermediate Cup quarter-final to give some of his regulars a rest.
But even so, the club's senior coach acknowledged two games in 36 hours on a heavy pitch was quite hard going for his troops. Inevitably, some will have to double up at Cross-in-Hand (2.30pm).
Thomson and head of rugby Paul Setter were picking their squad as close to tomorrow's game as possible.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Thomson said: "Truro is an important game, because if we can beat them, we can go above them in the league.
"The good thing for us is that our squad is so deep we have players fighting for their places.
"Players playing on Thursday are not playing tomorrow, as far as possible."
Second-rower Dom Loomes and wing George de Mendonca are probably going to be rested, as both of them returned from lengthy periods of injury on Thursday.
However, promising forward Jon Morgan has a good chance of starting against Truro after being rested last night.
TAVISTOCK are looking to vent their frustration on hosts Okehampton in tomorrow's West Devon derby (2.30pm).
Tavvy were due to play Kingsbridge at rain-drenched Sandy Park last weekend, but Kingsbridge declined the fixture because of the poor conditions.
Head coach Mike Lewis was a little bemused about the decision, seeing as the moorland club's colts played on the very same pitch that afternoon and Tavistock minis played on it the day after. Lewis said not having a game was 'so frustrating'.
He said: "Okehampton away is a nice local derby. They beat us at our place, although it was close and it was a case of them taking their chances and we didn't.
"Having a game will keep everyone's spirits up and after last weekend, we want to get straight back onto the pitch."
Only second-row Andy Schuttkake is a doubt for tomorrow. He has suffered cartilage damage to a wrist.
DEVONPORT Services supremo Dave Oakley reckons it will be a case of same again at The Rectory tomorrow (3pm).
Oakley said: "With a well-fought win away to Bude last weekend we do not feel it is necessary to try to fix what isn't broken.
"Bude have had recent good results against the top two in the league, so it was a worthy win against a side that is improving and should fight themselves out of the relegation zone.
"Torquay will be an additional challenge, but they won't like to come to us as we took a well-deserved win against them last season when they were also in a strong league position."
Services (from): Olly Dugmore, Phil Wilson, Jack Martin, Rocky Young, Elliott Worrall, Dan Olssen, Dylan Cossey, Matt Gregory, Mikey Lane, Matt Anstis, Matt Morrison, Manoa Tikoisuva, Nat Wonnacott, Ben McGowan, Rob Ede, John Mellor, Jamie Miles and Oscar Flowers
Comments