Hakes Team to Fell Oaks

St Ives is able to field a virtual full strength side for tomorrow’s all important clash against Plymstock Albion Oaks. The Devon side are the final hurdle in the Cornishmen’s bid to bounce straight back into the Western Counties league. A point from four tries or not losing by more than seven points will suffice. However, this is no way to cross the finish line. St Ives will be totally committed to continuing their form of five straight wins, winning in style.

The table as it stands

This selection from one to fifteen is the same team that played so well to defeat Withycombe two weeks ago, thus keeping promotion in their hands. On the bench Stuart Milliner takes over from injured Ben Wheeler, with Jamie Hoskin completing the line-up. Louis Stevens will be called upon to make an impact once again.

Each of the front row has missed only one match all season. Together they have scored 18 tries. Jamie Prisk, scorer of ten tries, has played in every match. Luke Collins demonstrated his excellent line out skills against Withycombe and has brought a wealth of experience to the squad. The back row has an equally familiar look to it. Martyn Lawrance has scored nineteen tries from No.8 and is the only other player to feature in every game. He has recovered from his knock on the knee last week and is ‘itching to go’. The flankers, Cameron Bone and Todd Prisk, will have their work to do and this fixture provides them with the opportunity to show their talent. They have also put plenty of points on the board with seventeen tries between them.

Sam Carter returns at scrum half to partner Paul Thirlby at half back. This should provide a steady stream of possession for the proven back line. This is the sixth time they have played as a unit from 11-15.

The recent form of Plymstock Albion Oaks cannot be taken lightly. A loss by a mere two points against clear league winners, Bude, in the most recent fixture, follows an undefeated run since January 23rd against Pirates Amateurs. In February, Hayle managed to contain them to earn a draw. Incidentally, Withycombe, who have everything to play for should St Ives slip up, are visiting Penzance to play Pirates Amateurs. However, the Pirates’ form dipped last week with a home loss to Falmouth. Therefore, no one at the St Ives club, or any of our supporters from every part of the globe, will want to see anything other than a win tomorrow. This team has ably demonstrated its desire to return to “Western Counties West” rugby status. One more huge effort will secure it.

Buffet and Awards

The club will be thanking all their sponsors by holding a buffet before kick-off starting at 1.30pm, all sponsors are welcome. After the game, this year’s awards will be presented and the club would like all members and “Last of the Summer Wine” supporters to attend to help celebrate a successful season. This will include a buffet starting around 6-6.30pm. There will also be promotional offers at the bar. Please stay after the game and help us end the season on a high.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm. The full squad is: (appearances in () scores in [])

Jess Tompsett (24) [6]

Ben Taylor (Capt.) (24) [9]

Ben Jenkins (24) [3]

Jamie Prisk (25) [10]

Luke Collins (3)

Todd Prisk (13) [7]

Cameron Bone (20) [10]

Martyn Lawrance (25) [19]

Sam Carter (17) [5]

Paul Thirlby (19) [6]

Peter Mabbott (19) [4]

Grant Thirlby (23) [2] 76C, 15PG

Tom Nicholas (20) [6]

Bobby Conroy-Smith (11) [8]

Lewis Thomas (23) [11] 7C

Stuart Milliner (3)

Louis Stevens (19) [5]

Jamie Hoskin (6)