BUDE head coach Sam Parker admits his side are looking forward to a ‘good, physical battle’ when they welcome old rivals Bideford tomorrow afternoon in their rescheduled clash in round three of the RFU Men’s Community Cup Counties Two Championship (2.30pm).

While the competition has plenty of detractors due to the number of conceded ties, for the Seasiders it allows them to continue their excellent momentum which has seen them win seven matches on the spin to cement third spot in Counties Two Cornwall.

Bideford make the short trip in fine fettle themselves – currently third in Counties Two Devon - and well-placed to target promotion back to Counties One Western West, a division both sides were in last time out.

The two sides have plenty of connections – due to the farming community – and this season have already faced off once in the first leg of the inaugural Harpers Feeds Cup, the idea being to celebrate community rugby in North Devon and North Cornwall.

Bude won that one 17-10, but Bideford will head down the A39 just six points behind leaders Devonport Services albeit having played a game more.

So far in this year’s competition, Bude have been handed home walkovers by Honiton and Dorchester, while Bideford saw off Helston 27-10 after Exeter Saracens conceded to the Chiefs in round-one.

Looking ahead to the game, Parker said: “Although it was disappointing that we were unable to get the game on last week, we are looking forward to a good, physical battle. The conditions may dictate the game, but we are confident that we’re prepared and have the necessary systems and processes in place to handle whatever is thrown at us.

“We are improving and learning every week and this shows in our success rate as we are also starting to bring the next batch of Colts through which is fantastic for the club.”

Four of tomorrow’s starting line-up – hooker Harvey Cholwill, skipper Will Hockridge, back-rower Fred Saxton and versatile back Will Pharo – all represented Cornwall Clubs XV in their victory over Cornwall Under 20s at St Austell on Wednesday night. However, the Seasiders will have to do without back Ed Hilliam-Cooke tomorrow as he is in the Cornwall President’s XV side for their clash with Crawshay’s Welsh Rugby at Camborne (1.30pm).

Bar Hilliam-Cooke’s absence, Bude name a near full-strength team.

BUDE v Bideford: Oscar Davey; Cobi Yelland, Will Pharo, Olly Denford, Steve Eaton; Brad Thomas, Ollie Rowland; Charlie Firman, Harvey Cholwill, Anthony Kennett; Alex Robinson, Will Hockridge (capt); Finley Fry, Matt Maniglia, Fred Saxton. Replacements: Josh Brown, Hayden Chater, Olly Mounce.

The second team are also at home tomorrow as they welcome their Truro counterparts (1pm), while the ladies also visit Bideford on Sunday in Women’s NC 2 South West (West) with a 2.30pm kick-off.