NEWTON Abbot won't be relishing going to National Three South West leaders Bournemouth as they have a depleted squad.

The game should have been played last Saturday, but was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Skipper and No.8 Ben Cole is missing, as is player-coach and full-back Andy Birkett, while centre Steve Ward is struggling to play.

"There aren't too many Saturdays off in the season and players tend to book them up months in advance to do something with their wives or families," said Newton's director of rugby Phil Burford.

Burford is hoping Exeter Chiefs will release utility back Sam Jones and prop Ben Rogers, who were required at Sandy Park last weekend.

Devon U20s' County Championship opener against Somerset at Cullompton fell foul of a frozen pitch and has been rearranged for this Sunday with a 2pm kick-off.

TOTNES and Teignmouth are both two matches behind in the Cornwall & Devon Division after another round of postponements.

Teignmouth, who were called off at Torrington last Saturday, have a prior re-arrangement away to Plymouth Barbarians to clear first.

Free-scoring centre Will Sowden was not available last Saturday but will be back for the trip to Brickfields.

Bottom side Totnes didn't get to play Tavistock last Saturday, which was not such a bad thing as the Moorlanders are on a 13-game winning run.

The Chiefs had already had an outstanding home game against Liskeard-Looe to fit in this Saturday.