New Blood for Bodmin Test

St Ives travel to Bodmin tomorrow for the 23rd match of their season in the Tribute Cornwall & Devon league. Bodmin, fresh from a home victory over Tavistock on Tuesday, will present a very real obstacle to The Hakes’ hopes of continuing their push for promotion. Once again a five point bonus will be the goal.

The squad introduces two new players into the 1stXV for the first time; Luke Allatt, who played well against Imperial Medics and Jake Clemson, both colts, make their debuts. If both play it will take the number of players in the squad this season to over forty. Once again, it underlines the difficulty of continuity and player development for the coaches. Veteran, John Trewhella, will be on the bench, as will returning prop forward, Ben Wheeler. The latter is making his first appearance since 21st November against Bude.

The pack is familiar to most followers of The Hakes and should be strong enough to take the game to Bodmin. No doubt Bodmin, like several other opponents, will be keen to embroil St Ives in a dour contest with slow ball in abundance and plenty of stoppages to halt momentum. This will be the challenge. Head coach, Paul Thirlby, will be hoping that his team can dictate proceedings.

In the backs, there are changes to the back three; Lewis Thomas returns from his mandatory three week spell after injury at Tavistock. He has scored one try every two matches and also is a capable goal kicker. He converted four tries out of six in the home match against Paignton last September. It is more than worth a mention that he has represented Cornwall at U20 level this season; well done, Lewis.

Luke Allatt and Niall Prisk are selected on the wings. Niall travelled to Tavistock and was part of the Newquay Hornets squad, before that game became a home walk-over.

This Saturday will also see the key fixture between Withycombe and Bude. The Cornish side lost at home to the third placed Devon rivals. If they manage to win tomorrow it will definitely help The Hakes in their bid for promotion.

The kick-off is at 3:00pm. Any and all support would be most welcome.

The full squad is:

Jess Tompsett

Ben Taylor (Capt)

Ben Jenkins

Jamie Prisk

Todd Prisk

Cameron Bone

Louis Stevens

Martyn Lawrance

Sam Carter

Paul Thirlby

Niall Prisk

Guy Pallett

Tom Nicholas

Luke Allatt

Lewis Thomas

Replacements:

Ben Wheeler

Jake Clemson

John Trewhella