Veteran Nine to make Season's Debut
St Ives face Newquay Hornets away tomorrow, Saturday 7th November. Among six changes from the recent game against Newquay, forced through injuries and unavailability, the most surprising is John Trewhella returning to the side after a number of seasons at scrum half.
The forwards remain almost as for the last match at home against Tavistock. Tony Stevens moves to the bench, which allows Ben Jenkins to start. Sean Stevens and David Bramwell complete the replacements, either of whom will be filling in where necessary, including the backs.
St Ives midfield looks strong enough with both Thirlby brothers and Tom Nicholas. Peter Mabbott returns to the wing after several weeks out. He had a good work out against Culdrose in the recent reserve match and ran strongly for a try from an interception. Ryan Bishop played fly half in that match and demonstrated good reading of the game. Tomorrow he will be on the other wing. Aaron Rowe is at fullback, which means that Lewis Thomas, scorer of three tries against Newquay in the cup match, misses a starting place for the first time this season.
Newquay will be out to make a much better game than their recent heavy cup match defeat by 59:14. This is rather flattering towards The Hakes, who played more as individuals than with disciplined units working together. Head coach, Paul Thirlby continues to put this right in training sessions. The first half against Tavistock showed this admirably, with a fine team performance. However, the second half showed how easily self-discipline can fall apart with frustration at referee's decisions. As the referee for the reserve match I can report first hand that they conducted themselves superbly. Everyone got on with the game, which was fiercely competitive, regardless of my mistakes. It would be good to see this adopted by the 1st XV, which would be to their benefit as they attempt to gain another bonus point win, which will keep them at the top end of the league table.
Newquay has had only two home league fixtures so far; on 12th September a narrow loss 10:13 to Falmouth and, last time out, a heavy 12:79 defeat to a strong Bude side. Their only other home game was the cup match against St Ives.
Any support will be welcomed. Kick-off is 2:30pm.
Full squad:
1. Ben Jenkins
2. Ben Taylor (Capt)
3. Jess Tompsett
4. Jamie Prisk
5. Louis Stevens
6. Sam Heath
7. Cameron Bone
8. Martyn Lawrance
9. John Trewhella
10. Paul Thirlby
11. Ryan Bishop
12. Grant Thirlby
13. Tom Nicholas
14. Peter Mabbott
15. Aaron Rowe
Replacements:
16. Tony Stevens
17. Sean Stevens
18. David Bramwell
