HERTFORDSHIRE believe they can improve on their opening Bill Beaumont Cup showing in Gloucestershire, where they went down 25-13 at Lydney.

But their next challenge is taking on Devon, the 2004 and 2005 champions who put 50 points on Herts last season.

Devon are coached by former Bath and England hooker Graham Dawe and clearly intend to steamroller their way to a third title in four years with a large contingent of Plymouth Albion players who ply their trade in National League One.

"We're aware of what they have with 10 Albion players in the side and that they'll be using Plymouth's tactics," said Herts manager Gwyn Williams. "But we won't be caught like rabbits in the headlights like we were last year. We know their strengths and our strengths and hope we can combat them accordingly."

Debut making wingers Ian Crompton (Stevenage Town) and Handre Schmidt (Hertford) scored the tries against Gloucestershire. Williams believes Herts can improve on that result after a couple of defensive lapses and chances missed. And the side will be stronger at Hertford on Saturday with Westcombe Park's Ian Hardcastle available and competing for a spot in the back-row.

Tring pair Tom Newton and Giles Wallace are also added to the squad to give extra options at full-back and hooker.

The match against Devon kicks off at 3.00 pm on Saturday, 12th May at Hertford RFC