It’s our first away game of the new season and we make the relatively short hop across the border to Rectory Field in Devonport, the home of Devonport Services. The Reds travel after a stunning nine try 61-10 defeat of visitors Bournville who were making their first appearance back at this level after promotion from Regional 1 Midlands at the end of last season.

Services were the second side to win promotion after spending a season in Regional 1 South West following their relegation from Nat League 2 West at the end of the 2024/25 season. They had finished bottom of the table that season with just four wins in 26 games.

However, despite that the Red’s coaching team and players will not be complacent. They will not have forgotten that one of those four Services victories was over Redruth back in November 2024 when, to the dismay of the Red’s faithful, too many penalties conceded, and a failure to shut Services down, saw us beaten 27-23. There are no easy games at his level.

Devonport Services began life in 1904 as United Services Devonport, and players not only had to be serving with the armed forces, mainly the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, but had to be officers. They struggled in the first eight years and things only improved when they allowed other ranks to join the side.

They originally played their home games at Keyham but when Devonport Albion merged with Plymouth RFC to form Plymouth Albion, Services took over their ground at Rectory Field.

The club went open in 1994 in order that youth teams could compete but 50% of the 1st XV are still expected to be servicemen.

Referee: Spencer Pearce. Assistant Referees: Rob Lowe - Andy Bickle.