TAVISTOCK RFC coach Leigh Puttock feels the countdown to a new season ahead in Devon One is going according to plan.

Tavistock look in good shape on the pitch if a 29-7 warm-up win over North Tawton is anything to go by.

Off the field there is a new look to the coaching and management teams with Puttock joined by Martin Budden (forwards coach), Rob Milligan (backs coach), Will Reed (1st XV manager) and Freya Green (sports therapist).

Freddie Fuller and Richard Cann give the leadership group a make-over as co-captains.

Winning at North Tawton – and the manner of it – led Puttock to believe work on training nights will pay off.

“It was a really positive run-out against what I thought was a very impressive North Tawton side,” said Puttock. “Their pack and set piece were of a quality well above their current level.

“We have worked incredibly hard on our structure, both with and without the ball, and it really started to click.

“North Tawton commented on social media that they perhaps deserved more after enjoying long periods of possession.

“Knowing what we have been working on, that actually pleases me. We have focused on being patient, enjoying our defence and not chasing lost causes.

“We want to frustrate teams that cannot break us down, force them into trying to manufacture something that is not there and then capitalise when the mistakes come.”

“We are really pleased with how pre-season has progressed. We know an incredibly tough league campaign awaits us, but we are excited by the challenge and ready to get started.”

Puttock said recruiting new players is becoming ‘increasingly difficult’ as there is ‘perceived glory’ joining bigger clubs in the area. That’s not what Tavistock are about.

“Our focus is different,” said Puttock. “We want to remain a strong community club that develops and improves players who genuinely want to represent Tavistock.

“There will be no endless stream of signings—just players who want to pull on the shirt and become part of a club determined to roll back the years and recreate what being part of a rugby club should truly feel like.”