DARTMOUTH RFC became the second sports club from the town to win promotion – despite not playing a game on Saturday after Plympton Victoria failed to raise a side.

They were guaranteed second spot in Devon Two after leaders Exeter University beat third-place Old Technicians 24-12 and, like Dartmouth Hockey Club last week, can celebrate promotion to a higher league.

And they could even progress to Devon One as champions, as team spokesman Jeff Hunt explained: 'With one league game to go on April 14, Exeter have to play Plymouth Argaum at Argaum and Dartmouth take on Tamar Saracens at Tamar.

If Argaum beat the Uni and we beat Sarries, we would go up as champions and Exeter would finish second, but still go up. As it stands now, Exeter go up as champions and we go up as well, so either way Dartmouth are playing in Devon One next season.'

In terms of last weekend's proposed fixture, Mr Hunt said Dartmouth coach Steve Atkins had done all he could to ensure the game was played.

'He offered Plym Vic some of our players to play for them,' he said. 'However, it was not to be and Dartmouth were awarded a five-point victory for a home walkover, while Plym Vic were deducted 10 points.'