Match Preview

The Cherry & Whites start their pre-season build up this Saturday when they take on one of the SW Premierships promotion favourites Barnstaple at the REC (2.30pm k.o).

Selectors have named a squad but not the starting XV for the match and will be making numerous changes throughout the match.
Four of Town's new signings Liam Jolly, Rob Gurnett, Ben Tyler-Guy and and Jamie Hoskin (pictured) are in the lineup with Oakley Smitham making his senior home debut after moving up from the colts.

New breakdown coach Rory Watts-Jones has made some big changes to the teams style of play which will certainly stiffen up the defence and enhance the attack. The squad are in as good a shape fitness wise as they've been going into any campaign with our new strength and conditioning coach Francis Sanderson putting the players through the mill during the last several weeks.

DOR Liam Chapple is extremely pleased with how pre-season has gone so far and excited for the up coming league campaign, with 3 games coming up in the next 7 days he will learn a lot more about his squad.

Despite holiday, work, cricket commitments and a few injuries the club is still managing to field 45 players in their two friendlies on Saturday, so all is looking good for the Cherry & Whites.