NEWTON Abbot RFC have announced a clutch of signings going into this Saturday’s Western Counties derby against Torquay Athletic.

Dan Beer, a fly-half or centre, played occasionally for Newton Abbot two seasons ago while studying at Marjons in Plymouth.

Beer started his mini rugby with Gordano Sharks before joining Weston’s U15s and represented Somerset at U16s level. He made his 1st XV debut for Weston in 2021.

While studying PE and sports coaching in Plymouth, Beer played BUCS rugby for Marjon and turned out for Devonport Service Pilgrims.

Will Cleasby, a second-row forward, has also played for the All Whites in the past. He first signed in 2024. Cleasby is a man for all seasons who was previously on Stokeinteignhead Cricket Club’s playing register.

Steve Moran, another second-row forward, has arrived at Rackerhayes from Plymouth side OPM.

Moran’s rugby journey includes stints with Salcombe, Ivybridge and Tamar Saracens and being selected for of the Wales Deaf squad back in2022. He had previously played for the England Deaf side.

New boy Beer was among Newton Abbot’s try scorers last time out in their 33-32 win over Exmouth Quins at Rackerhayes.Other try scorers were Ollie Golden Ollie Coote, Toby Pascoe and Lawrence White. Jamie Barnes kicked four conversions.

Newton Abbot Spartans get up and running Devon Two North & East at home to North Tawton.

NEW Cross make the long trek to newcomers Bideford Quins for their opening encounter in Devon Two North & East.

Bideford chose not to enter the main league system when it was opened-up to second teams in 2022, preferring more localised fixtures in the Devon Merit Table instead.

The departure of Torrington and Ilfracombe from the Merit Table ended its attraction for Bideford, who have made the same switch themselves.

New skipper Harry Symes suffered a face injury in the 31-26 defeat by Torquay Athletic Extras in the final warm-up game of the season, making him doubtful for the opener.

TEIGNMOUTH were on the wrong end of a 45-7 defeat by Brixham in their final pre-season fixture.

As 19 league slots across two divisions separated the sides at the end of last season, the result was never in much doubt.

For Teignmouth it was a useful exercise ahead of what is bound to be a tricky trip to Penzance-Newlyn this Saturday.

Andy Crossman, acting as match manager for Teignmouth, said: “We were pleased with performance and had we managed to score a couple more tries it would have been a truer reflection of the game.

“We had a very young team with six teenagers who all acquitted themselves really well against a full Brixham 1st XV.”

Teignmouth’s try scorer was Alex Thornalley. Tom Carr kicked the conversion.

Teignmouth’s 2nd XV, which included a further three teenagers, were 45-14 winners over Totnes.