NEW TORBAY 1st XI captain Nick Graham said before his team's opening friendly at Exeter Hornets that the result was less important than getting 70 minutes of action into his players.

"They didn't have to take me quite so literally," quipped Graham after promoted Torbay had lost 5-1 to their new Wood Davis West League Premier Division Two opponents.

Torbay won't worry too much about this result, for they were below full strength.

Experienced forwards Matt Burrows and Matt Clarke, as well as last season's captain Jon Veale in defence, were among the key players missing.

Graham was able to give games to 17-year-old 'fringe' players Stuart Godsland and Alex Peers.

Individual errors accounted for several of the goals as Torbay trailed 3-0 at half-time.

A Jamie Walsh penalty cut the deficit before Exeter clinched victory in the closing stages.

The 2nd XI was involved in an eleven-goal thriller at home to Cornish side Duchy.

Down 4-1 at the interval, Torbay pulled back to 4-4 in the second half.

It was only in the closing stages that Duchy's edge in fitness told, allowing them to up the pace.

Christian Pitocco from a short corner, Darren Hales (2) and Steve Nand Lal scored for Torbay.

The 3rd XI lost 7-3 to Okehampton 1st XI.

Kai Horsburgh, Angus Lee and Malcolm Woodward hit the backboard for Torbay.

None of the teams had the luxury of any replacements at the weekend, but more players are due to be available this Saturday when the club hopes to field four teams for a second round of friendlies against Ottery Crickets.

On September 19 Torbay will take part in the annual pre-season tournament hosted by Plymouth Marjons.

Then it's into the league campaign, with a short Premier Two trip to Exeter University on September 25.

Training continues on Tuesday evenings at Torquay Girls' Grammar School's all-weather pitch (8pm).