The Ashes agonisingly went down by 0.3 of a point when the Rugby Football Union decided to determine the final league positions based on the average number of points gained from home and away matches that had already been played.
It was cruel on Saltash, who were in the relegation positions but were only a point behind Wiveliscombe when the season was halted due to the coronavirus, and they also had two matches in hand on the Somerset-based club.
However, their demotion will see them come up against the Lions for the first time in the league in six years – since the 2014-15 season.
Liskeard-Looe will not have fond memories of the derby clashes in that campaign, losing at home in the October 66-11, before going down 60-0 in the return fixture at the end of January, with both teams then in the Cornwall and Devon League, where they now both reside again. Ashes head coach Steve Down commented: ‘We will see how that goes!
‘In the past, when we were playing at lower levels, it was always a bit of a grudge match, and a bit physical.
‘But now both clubs are a bit higher up in the league, I am hoping it will be more of a game of rugby.’
Liskeard-Looe head coach Neil Bayliss commented: ‘I am looking forward to those games.
‘I have never played at Saltash before, though I have been there once before to watch my brother-in-law play.
‘It is nice to get two local derbies and they should be a strong outfit, having come down from the league above.’
The Ashes are also looking forward to their two matches against Plymstock Albion Oaks, who just missed out on promotion from the Cornwall and Devon League in the season just gone.
‘We have always enjoyed good rivalry with them,’ explained Down.
‘There will be some interesting fixtures to play.
‘I just hope we have the same team as last season, but I can’t see it being too different.’