St Ives Maintain Strong Squad for Devon Trip

The Hakes have made several changes for the important, re-arranged fixture at Paignton tomorrow, but still have a strong group of players.

The ever present front row of Tompsett, Taylor and Jenkins continue, with the Prisk brothers supplying the second row presence. In the back row Guy Pallett, scorer of a charge down try last week, steps up to the first fifteen in the absence of Sam Heath. Poor Sam has been dogged by injury this season. His latest blow is, I understand, a broken arm. Our thoughts and hopes of a speedy and complete recovery are with Sam. Cameron Bone, with a try scoring record approaching two in every three games, is at open side. The No.8 berth is filled by Martyn Lawrance. So, The Hakes boast a solid looking pack, with Louis Stevens, Sean Stevens and Luke Collins making up the bench. Collins returns for his first appearance since the defeat at Falmouth in October. Sean makes his ninth and Louis his fourteenth appearance respectively.

With the navy lads called up for their representative team, John Trewhella makes another vital appearance at scrum half. Peter Mabbott makes a timely return on the wing. The rest of the backs are those who played so well in difficult circumstances at Plymouth Argaum last weekend. I am informed that the whole team demonstrated excellent self-discipline against various forms of opposition. The club as a whole are proud of their achievement in gaining four points. Conditions prevailed that eliminated much chance of a bonus point.

Tomorrow, the lads face another long trip, this time into the heart of Torbay. There is a pitch inspection at 9 o’clock in the morning. If the game goes ahead, this will be Paignton's first home fixture since 28th November when they defeated Falmouth. During 2016 they have beaten Exeter Saracens and, most recently, Honiton on the road. Bude, who have only one game outstanding from recent poor weather, should gain a bonus point win at Newquay to keep them well on top of the league. Withycombe, our close rivals for runners up spot, however, are set to fall further adrift in their league fixtures. They have a Senior Vase South West Divisional Cup Final at Milton Keynes.

There will be room on the bus if you are able to support the team on their travels. Kick-off is set for 2:30p.m.

The selection for this match in full is:

Jess Tompsett

Ben Taylor (Capt)

Ben Jenkins

Jamie Prisk

Todd Prisk

Guy Pallett

Cameron Bone

Martyn Lawrance

John Trewhella

Paul Thirlby

Tom Murray

Grant Thirlby

Tom Nicholas

Peter Mabbott

Lewis Thomas

Replacements:

Sean Stevens

Louis Stevens

Luke Collins