New and returning players for Honiton

Honiton V St Ives, Saturday 19th September

The list of names for round 3 of the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League is the most likely group to travel to Honiton on Saturday.

The front row looks particularly strong with a number of options. Ben Wheeler and Tony Stevens are propbable replacements. The latter has made himself available until at least the end of the year. What a bench to come on and give massive stability to the scrum. Joel Stevens is unavailable as he has a First Aid course.

Jamie Prisk continues with Tom Chandler in the 2nd row. Jamie was outstanding last week and is clearly enjoying his rugby. The back row, without Sam Heath (out for at least two or three weeks) or Sean Stevens (unavailable), is limited in respect of lineouts. Otherwise, the potential is for Louis Stevens to be at blind side, Martyn Lawrance at No.8 and David Bramwell continuing at open side. There are options for Tony or 'Wheels' to move to blind side, and for Louis to step up to lock. Neil Corin (back) is also unavailable.

Jason Jackson will occupy the scrum half role. His partner may be head coach Paul Thirlby, with brother Grant returning to the side at inside centre. However, if Paul decides not start, Grant will move in. With Sam Bristow currently wearing a knee brace, the services of new recruit, Guy Pallet may be used to stand alongside Tom Nicholas in the centre. Guy, from RNAS Culdrose, has trained over the last couple of weeks. He played at Truro in the pre-season friendly. He can also play on the wing, or wing forward.

The back three looks like being Lewis Thomas, who showed some fine goal kicking last week, Peter Mabbott, nursing a hamstring, and Ryan Bishop. Ryan, perhaps better known as 'Yub', returns to the club after several years. Nathan Allen is also on the injury list. Let's hope he is soon back, ideally for the local derby at home to Hayle.

The list is below and there are as amny as three combinations. Someone may beome aavailable at training on Thursday evening, but at the moment, there is a bare eighteen in the squad.

Jess Tompsett

Ben Jenkins

Tony Stevens

Ben Wheeler

Ben Taylor

Jamie Prisk

Tom Chandler

Louis Stevens

Martyn Lawrance

David Bramwell

Jason Jackson

Grant Thirlby

Guy Pallet

Tom Nicholas

Paul Thirlby

Peter Mabbott

Lewis Thomas

Ryan Bishop

On the face of it Honiton may seem like a straight forward prospect. They have lost both games so far. 'Just turn up and play'. This is a little simplistic. Home advantage is always worth a few points. Already St Ives are stretched in terms of player resources due to injury and unavilability. A number of potential travelling reserves are not able to do so. A great deal of work is being done by a few people. Enlisting new players and those who return after two years absence, demonstrates leadership and communication skills that are obviously effective. Supporters should be keenly aware of this.

Supporters can travel on the club coach. Please contact the secretary for departure time.