Hugely heartening to see greater strength in depth for 2009-10

THE first trial game of the season was played at Bude and despite missing a number of last season's First Fifteen, away on holiday, the squad gave a good account of themselves against their one league higher hosts.

A number of players put a marker down and will undoubtedly be pushing for first team rugby as the season progresses.

Most encouraging was the number of last season colts who certainly showed they were not overawed by their first taste of the action at this level.

Greg Lewis, George Passmore and James Hosegood all put in gritty displays, as did many others. Rob Milton looks extremely promising at fly-half and his two touchline conversions were the icing on the cake of an excellent performance.

Probably the strangest change of position this season was that of Stuart Pickard from half back to hooker and no doubt, given time and opportunity, he looks very capable of making the change a success.

The defence in particular looked solid, although we lacked a little penetration going forward until the final quarter.

Trial games are always somewhat fragmented, generally being held over four 20 minute periods with a number of replacements used in each quarter, which ultimately diminishes the flow of the game.

None-the-less, some important positives came out of the game. Although overall we lost 21-24, the scoreline is not always relevant in these games but of course it is nice to win as indeed we very nearly did!

The forwards showed that they have lost none of the power that they so enjoyed last season and with the rescinding of the law allowing driving mauls to be pulled down, they should have even more of an advantage this coming season.

We were somewhat lacking in numbers in the back division but winger Matt Shapland looks even quicker this year with two scorching touchline runs, one of which produced a superb try.

It came about from some quick handling and new signing Ross Gillon showed some neat touches in the centre. Paul Tearle showed his adaptability by playing in various positions and also looked sharp.

The obvious conclusion is that, of course, only 18 players can be picked for the First team squad each week but it is hugely heartening to see a greater strength in depth than we have had for some time, probably since the 2000-01 season, when the 'Quins won the Devon One Merit Table. This year they should be a force to be reckoned with.

Importantly, the promotion of the 'Quins back to Devon Merit Table One will provide a good standard of rugby in which players can push for First team places.

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 22 sees another trial game, this time at Withycombe and on the 29th the 'Quins and Hornets will have trial games against Tiverton.

The season proper opens with a home league game against Teignmouth on September 5 with the 'Quins opening their Merit Table fixtures at Okehampton.

The Hornets will be at home to Okehampton Thirds.

PH