After several seasons playing in assorted strips, it is pleasing to report that next season Penryn are to return to the traditional red and black hoops, which were the colours right back to the club's formation, writes Mike Dove.

For a period in the second half of the last century the club wore white with a red and black V', and this strip was worn by the team when they won 13- 4 at Exeter in1973. This win put them into the last eight of the national rugby knock out competition and was watched by around 2,000 people. How times have changed as Exeter 2nds play Penryn in a practice match at the Memorial Ground on Sunday, kick off 1 pm.

After only two seasons in South West 1 Penryn are back in South West 2 (West) after being relegated last season.

Hard decisions were made after relegation was confirmed, and it was decided that becoming a CASC (Community Amateur Sports Club in Government parlance) was the way forward. For the present concentration will be made in developing rugby for the young people of Penryn and the surrounding areas.

The fixture list still contains five away fixtures on the other side of Taunton, but the longest journey is to Cheltenham North. However there are six on this side, including Taunton itself of course.

The season opens with a friendly against Mounts Bay on September 2. This is intended as a gala day with a barbecue. Before that there is a practice game against Launceston Development XV on Sunday, August 20.

The league season opens with a visit to newly promoted Newton Abbott on September 9, a club that the Borough last played four seasons ago when they (Penryn) won Western Counties West with a 100% record. It will not be so easy this time because Newton Abbott have considerably strengthened their squad and they will be anxious to make their mark against an old rival.

The first home league game is against fellow relegation club Spartans, who Penryn completed the double over last season. Spartans went through a terrible season when many of their players deserted them, and they did request that they be demoted through two leagues. The RFU South West organising committee denied this.

There follows an away game at Taunton, then September concludes with a home fixture versus Camborne. After the long journeys last season, when the nearest away fixture was Weston-super-Mare, it will be a pleasure to play another side within Cornwall.

In the Cornwall Cup Penryn have a tough away draw against Mount's Bay, and this will be played over the weekend of December 30.

In the Intermediate Cup the draw has resulted in a home tie with Frome, from Somerset. Frome were recently promoted from Southern Counties South and now play in South West 2 East. This game will take place on October 28, and, if the Borough win that game, will result in a league or cup game on every Saturday up to December 2.