Bodmin looking to begin with a bang

Bodmin Town can rightly claim to be the most successful side in the short history of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League, but the one trophy they have yet to win is the Charity Bowl.

The Priory Park outfit were not involved in the first-ever Peninsula curtain raiser as that was contested between St Blazey and Dartmouth – the latter winning 3-2 at Kimberley Stadium.

Bodmin's successive title successes saw them twice appear in the Charity Bowl only to lose on each occasion. However, this will be the first time they will not be contesting the trophy as champions.

Buckland Athletic pipped Darren Gilbert's side for both the league and Throgmorton Cup last season, so they will be looking to be the first defending champions to win the Bowl which will take place at Tavistock's Langsford Park tomorrow (3pm).

With the exception of striker Luke Hodge, who unfortunately has to work, Gilbert has a full strength squad available. He will include all his summer signings in former Dobwalls striker Jack Bartlett, St Austell midfielder Ollie Brokenshire and central defender Dave Hollow, who has been recruited from Plymstock.

Gilbert has played down the importance of the Bowl saying: "Our season starts the following week with our opening league game, the Charity game is looked upon as part of our preparations for the coming season and a game in which we can have a good look at everyone."

For Buckland boss Steve Massey, tomorrow is the opportunity to start his term as manager by winning silverware at the first attempt.

Massey has been busy in the close season adding to last season's championship winning side with defenders Fergus Nevin, Brinton Nute (St Blazey), Mike Booth (Tiverton), new goalkeeper Ian Baker (Liskeard) and striker Stuart Morgan (Royal Marines) named in Sunday's squad.

The only real departure from Homers Heath is striker John Rimmer, who has moved to East Division title-favourites Stoke Gabriel, as Massey maintains a large, and strong squad, in his attempt to retain the title and take the club forward.

"Perhaps my best signing will be Martyn Rogers if he agrees to join the management team," revealed Massey, who has had the former Tiverton manager involved in training and in the dug-out for the last month.

"Martyn feels that Buckland is on a par with when he took over at Tiverton and he feels we are possibly steps ahead of the Ladysmead club at that time," explained Massey.

The Bowl is the second game scheduled for the day as the Charity Vase, between Division One East champions The Royal Marines and Division One West champions Perranporth, kicks-off at noon.

The Charity Vase has only been played twice and on both previous occasions the Division One West champions have been victorious with Wadebridge Town beating Budleigh Salterton and Penzance beating Exeter Civil Service.

Admission prices, covering both games, will be just £4 for adults with £2 for concessions with a programme available for an additional 50pence.

All profits from the day will go to the Peninsula League Benevolent Fund.