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Writer's pictureAlan Thomas

Strong Squad Announced for Wellington


After the record breaking score line of 92:0 against 12th placed Bude, The Hakes have an even stronger squad (on paper) to face bottom of the league, Wellington tomorrow at The Rec. It will be a long journey of 139 miles for the team from Somerset, the longest they have to make during the season.

Although the town has a population not much bigger than St Ives, 14,549 in 2014, they have a number of larger towns in the area from which to draw players. Somerset has long held a different opinion and set of rules regarding allowing teams other than ‘firsts’ to be involved in official leagues. Wellington IIs play in the Somerset One, while their third team play in the Somerset Three. Regular fixtures are much more likely to keep players and sustain a club’s future. Cornwall’s latest idea of a reserve team league has fallen on stony ground. Clubs are struggling to keep or recruit and the proposed fixture list is unfulfilled. Having said that, it is to our credit that a reserve side played Culdrose last Wednesday, a repeat of the same fixture held last season. It is hoped that Hayle can bring a side to us on Boxing Day. We will try to keep you up to date about that.

Wellington is having a tough time of it this year, with only three wins. Their head coach, Lawrence Ovens has moved after the club decided to ‘let him go’. They had hoped he would be more of a player coach. So they are in a state of flux at a time when they face the side whose form is the best in the league. Of the four teams that have won four out of five matches over the last five outings, only St Ives secured a bonus point in the lost match; Burnham on Sea. Therefore, St Ives have gained the most points; 21. One should always be concerned that complacency does neither creep in, nor a scene where individuals start to think more about what the game might have in store for them rather than the team. Head coach, Paul Thirlby, will be fully versed in ensuring that tomorrow’s team treat the opposition with respect.

Team selection this week sees the return of Jamie Hoskin at second row, in place of Jake Clemson. The latter showed great potential against Bude, and will work on his ball retention on impact. Harry Parton, who suffered a minor groin strain last week, is replaced by Archie MacKay. Sean Stevens’ selection at open side allows Tom Chandler to play at prop. What a utility player he is becoming! James Bishop has been unavailable due to his armed forces interviews. The reliable Jon Wright supplies front row cover.

In the backs Paul Thirlby stands down, and Tom Nicholas is available. Joe Rouncefield will get another outing after his fine performance on the wing last week.

Kick off is at 2:30pm. It promises to be another entertaining afternoon of running rugby.

The full squad is:

1. Ben Jenkins

2. Ben Taylor (Capt.)

3. Tom Chandler

4. Jamie Prisk

5. Jamie Hoskin

6. Martyn Lawrance

7. Sean Stevens

8. Archie MacKay

9. Sam Carter

10. Jordan Gott

11. Pete Mabbott

12. Steve Kenward

13. Tom Nicholas

14. Joe Rouncefield

15. Lewis Thomas

Replacements:

16. Jacob Ninnes

17. Liam Jolly

18. Jon Wright

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