Captain Tails has Crew to Plunder Pirates

St Ives is able to field a strong side to give the best possible chance to continue their promotion chase at The Rec tomorrow. Pirates are short of games of late, although their most recent away fixture was against Tavistock on 27th February. They gained a bonus point win by 10 points to 31. This should be enough to remind head coach, Paul Thirlby, that only with the necessary application and game strategy will St Ives demonstrate why they are second in the league.

Fixtures for week no.22

The pack has a familiar feel to that of recent weeks, one which has dominated opposition with the exception of Bude. Ben Taylor, captain, will start at hooker, propped by ever present Jess Tompsett and Ben Jenkins. This front has amassed sixty one out of a possible sixty three appearances. Tony Stevens returns from suspension to strengthen the front row cover. Stuart Milliner has acting duties on Sunday so must down.

The second row combination of the brothers Prisk has been a productive one. Jamie has not missed a game throughout the season, scoring nine tries to date. Brother, Todd, has been in the squad since his return from Fylde last December. On the bench, Jamie Hoskin is available and could make a big impact later in the game. Guy Pallett continues on the flank for his fifth consecutive appearance, while Louis Stevens returns on the blind side. Cameron Bone is unavailable and disappointed to be missing his first game since joining the club.

Sam Carter returns to scrum half and Tom Nicholas to centre. Lewis Thomas is given the OK after last week’s injury. The Thirlby brothers take up their familiar roles. Tom Murray and Bobby Conroy-Smith continue on the wings, with Peter Mabbott being the three quarter cover. All three will be delighted with the fine weather all this week, which leaves the pitch waiting for an open, fast game.

Meanwhile, third placed Withycombe will want to bounce back from their shock home defeat at the hands of Plymstock Albion Oaks last Saturday. However, they face a tough trip to Plymouth Argaum, something of which The Hakes are all too aware.

Kick-off is at 2:30pm. All support will be more than welcome. It should be a good contest.

The full squad is:

Jess Tompsett

Ben Taylor

Ben Jenkins

Jamie Prisk

Todd Prisk

Guy Pallett

Louis Stevens

Martyn Lawrance

Sam Carter

Paul Thirlby

Tom Murray

Grant Thirlby

Tom Nicholas

Bobby Conroy-Smith

Lewis Thomas

Replacements:

Tony Stevens

Jamie Hoskin

Peter Mabbott