BUDE head coach Sam Parker expects his side to launch a bid to secure an immediate return out of Counties Two Cornwall over the coming months.

The Seasiders finished third from bottom in Counties One Western West – going down on the final day despite beating St Ives as Penryn saw off Wiveliscombe.

Parker, who saw his side start with a 45-12 victory over St Just last weekend, is embarking on his first season in the role, but believes they can be in the mix come the spring.

He said: “Unfortunately I had to give up playing due to various injuries a few years ago. I desperately missed the game and wanted to still be involved.

“I have many years of coaching experience and when I saw the job advertised I jumped at the chance to be part of the game again. I had played for Bude in the past and felt that we would be a great fit.”

He continued: “Our club target is to achieve promotion, the relegation was a bitter pill.

“We know there are some tough opposition in this league so we are under no illusions that we will have to work hard to achieve our goals, but I believe that we are up to the task and look forward to putting on some truly entertaining rugby for you all.”

Bude have lost two key players in Rory Mead and Ben Hancock to Launceston, although the majority of the rest of last year’s squad are around.

Some of last year’s Colts have been introduced, including lock Charlie Firman and wing Oscar Davey, who started last weekend.

Parker said: “We have had a lot of the Colts move up this year so we have been working on integrating them into the team and getting back to basics.

“I watched a lot of the games last year and felt that we had great spirit and some incredible players, but we lacked precision that let us down in the really tight games.

“Our points conceded against our points scored was very telling, so we have been working on tightening the defence and ensuring better understanding of our field position and our available options.

“Yes, there have been some players leave, but the incoming Colts are really exciting and bring the speed that youth affords them.

“That combined with the senior players to guide them, means we have a truly diverse and exciting squad.

“The Colts will feature heavily every week, it is a credit to their abilities that they have slotted in perfectly with the rest of the squad, which is a massive credit to their coaches last season and the effort that players and coaches put in.”

Bude are a well-supported club with no other side within half an hour of Bencoolen Meadow, and Parker hopes he can repay their faith.

He concluded: “I just want to thank the club for giving the opportunity to work with such a fantastic group of players, I am so excited for the season to come and hope to see huge crowds supporting the incredible effort put in by the players, the club members as well as all the support by the club sponsors!”

Bude return to action tomorrow afternoon when they welcome Wadebridge Camels Seconds (3pm).

The Seasiders make three changes.

Oscar Davey is missing and replaced by fellow youngster Cobi Yelland on the left-wing, while there are two alterations in the pack.

Jack Lipscombe comes in at hooker for back-rower Harvey Cholwill who deputised last week, while former player/coach Joe Wilson lines up in the second-row in place of Firman who joins Cholwill, Olly Mounce and Chris Hall amongst the replacements.

BUDE v Wadebridge Camels Seconds: Will Pharo, Ed Hilliam-Cooke, Ben Tharme, Olly Denford, Cobi Yelland; Brad Thomas, Ollie Rowland; Alex Robinson, Jack Lipscombe, Hayden Chater; Will Hockridge (capt), Joe Wilson; Finley Fry, Matt Maniglia, Freddie Saxton. Replacements: Harvey Cholwill, Charlie Firman, Olly Mounce, Chris Hill.