TEIGNMOUTH RFC have some work to do to avoid another close encounter with relegation in South West Two.

The Teigns had a last-day let-off in 2024-25 when they came back from 17-0 behind at Winscombe to win 22-17 and send Newton Abbot down instead.

Teignmouth finished third-bottom last season, which pitched them into the newly-created relegation play-offs. They defeated Cullompton, who dropped down into Western Counties West.

Andy Crossman, a former 1st XV captain and now hands-on president, said staying away from danger requires several improvements.

“We need to show more consistency in our performances and win the bulk of our home games,” said Crossman.

“Against better opposition we tended to play well, but we struggled against teams lower in the division. That is something we cannot afford to do.”

Pre-season has been going well with the highlight so far a 32-31 win over Torquay Athletic in their latest warm-up game. A 29-22 defeat at Sidmouth seven days earlier was a credible result.

The downside of pre-season has been another shoulder injury sustained by first-team regular Jack Mayne in the win over the Tics.

“Jack dislocated a shoulder, which had to be put back in hospital as it was a two-man job,” said Crossman.

“It is the seventh time one or the other of Jack’s shoulders has popped out and it could be some time before he is back.”

Will Sowden, who missed much of last season with a knee injury, only lasted five minutes on his comeback before he went off.

“This time it was a soft-tissue elbow injury which wasn’t that serious,” said Crossman.

New recruits and young returnees include a youthful front row of Joe Brookfield, Logan Scott and Archie Blake.

Flanker Harrison Jelley – son of much-travelled front-rower Paul Jelley – is another youngster expected to push for a 1st XV spot. Watch out also for wing Ashton Clarke.

Isaac Flewers, a scrum-half with Midlands Two side Malvern among his former clubs, has signed on the dotted line.

Colin Stewart remains as coach with George Franklin captain. Mark Brookfield is the new director of rugby.

There is a double dose of rugby action at Lower Bitton this Saturday. The 2nd XV play Totnes with a noon kick-off, followed by a Brixham XV.