THE New Cross coaching team are not reading too much into a 10-5 first-day defeat by Crediton Quins in their Devon Two opener.
New Cross took an early lead when Jimmy Unwin was mauled over the line.
The Quins scored after a long period of pressure in the New Cross half just before the break.
Crediton’s second try, shortly after the interval, proved the match-winning score.
Player-coach Nick Halse said it was a ‘tough loss’ but added: “It was very much an early season game in the wet, with lots of errors from both sides.”
New Cross will be aiming for a bounce-back win when Cullompton 2nd XV visit Five Lanes on Saturday 14.
Looking at the season as a whole and Head Coach Tim Marshall writes that, New Cross RFC are excited for the new season. With a revival of the club’s 2nd team alongside the competitive 1st XV league campaign, there is plenty of optimism amongst the players and supporters of the club moving into the 2024/25 Season.
It is time to build on from the success of last season, where the club finished 2nd in the league, as well as winning the Devon Junior Bowl for the 4th time as part of a club record 14-game unbeaten run. Buoyed by the club’s depth in their playing pool and the relaunch of the 2nd XV, which provides more playing opportunities and has been bolstered by off-season recruitment and strong training numbers.
Ryan Wotton leads the charge once again, supported by Chris Huskins and Josh Davey, with a plethora of senior players as the club look to back up last season’s performances by mixing it at the business end of the league once again, vying for promotion.
Despite the unknown quantity of league newcomers North Tawton and Exeter Engineers, the expectations are high that New Cross can build on the foundations of last season and push on. The first month of the season is explosive with the Crediton game that has been and gone, plus a trip down the road to neighbours Newton Abbot Spartans (Sept 21), either side of welcoming Cullompton to Five Ways on September 14.
The club are looking forward to continuing the success into the new season, whether welcoming new or returning players to get involved. They also can’t wait to see rugby fans new or old wanting to watch some entertaining local sport on a Saturday afternoon with a social drink in the Ten Tors post-game. Check out the club’s Facebook pages for information and updates or if you’d like to get involved.