Strong Squad to face Tiverton

St Ives is able to field a strong squad for the clash with Tiverton, one which they will need if they are to overcome the quality within the ranks of the away side. Their form on the road shows one win and one loss, but this is a club with regular reserve fixtures and, therfore, plenty of players to choose from. They also have a solid group that have been with the club over a number of years. Experienced Olly Chanin, with over 300 appearances, plays at open side and needs to be watched.

St Ives make few changes from the one that saw a first win for the Hakes agaisnt St Austell in the ast outing. They will be believing that this should be the start of more winning ways. After six games St Ives have six bonus points; two for tries and four for narrow defeats. Four of the teams they have played expressed considerable surprise at our lowly league position. How important those losing bonus points are in lifting us.

The front row rather picks itself. Bishop, Taylor and Jenkins are together again. Harry Parton moves to No.8, Archie Mackay to open side flanker and Jamie Prisk comes in to partner Jamie Hoskin in the second row. Tom Chandler and Jon Wright make up the cover for forwards on the bench.

The backs are as for St Austell. A St Ives side that puts Tom Nicholas on the wing in successive matches must be one of the better ones of recent times. Head coach, Paul Thirlby, continues at flyhalf. He will be hoping for more of the attacking flare shown at St Austell. While tackling was good, he will no doubt expect better decision making and skill execution in exit strategies. This could have been their achilles heel at the home of those other saints.

So, on paper it looks good, virtually as good as we can make it. Now you need to be there tomorrow to see the action for yourself. Nothing like a bit of local live rugby. For those who follow these blogs from afar, thank you for that and I trust the match report will refelect a good result early next week. Perhaps the next match, away to Burnham-on-sea, is closer to you?

Full Squad: