Squad for Kingsbridge Named

After a welcome return to form last Saturday, with a bonus point away against struggling Paington, The Hakes make another visit to Devon this week. This is week number five for St Ives, who will make up their one match deficit with a home tie against Sidmouth on Saturday 15th October. This will be the only fixture in the league on that day, an opportunity to establish the true position for St Ives with almost a quarter of the season already gone by then.

Meanwhile, the trip to high flying Kingsbridge, the only unbeaten side in this league, will be a benchmark for the relatively unchanged squad.

The front row is the one that played so handsomely at Falmouth; Taylor, Elloway, Hocking. The prop cover is probably going to be covered by Tom Chandler, who starts at wing forward. Sean Stevens will be waiting in the wings to take his turn. Jamie Prisk, already a constant in the second row, will be partnered by Jamie Hoskin, who comes in for John Lamsin, to make his second appearance. Tom Chandler is joined in the back row by Cameron Bone, who makes his first start this season. Stalwart, Martyn Lawrance, binds down at No.8. The other replacement for the forwards is the ever willing Joel Stevens. He will be desperate to please after his one appearance at St Austell.

Sam Carter, with two tries from three outings, is alongside returning joint head coach, Paul Thirlby at halfback. Eleven to fourteen takes on a familiar look, and is the same as travelled to Paington. Rhys Brownfield moves back to fullback, with Liam Jolly on the bench.

As for the opposition, Kingsbridge spent a year in the South West 1 West league, being relegated with Chard, also newcomers to this league due to the same fate. But Kingsbridge clearly have a vision for a quick return, currently holding second place, from which position they were promoted in 2016. The previous season they missed out on promotion when narrowly losing the playoff against Newent, 28-26, from a stoppage time penalty.

The last time St Ives visited High House the score was 69-7 on 27th January 2015 in The Tribute Western Counties league. St Ives was relegated at the end of that season. Our last victory at Kingsbridge was on Saturday 27th September 2011, 15-16. This is history and not an indicator of form. With a good attitude and serious endeavour The Hakes surely intend to make their mark.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm. All support is most welcome. The full squad is:

1) Ben Taylor

2) Rob Elloway

3) Leigh Hocking

4) Jamie Prisk

5) Jamie Hoskin

6) Tom Chandler

7) Cameron Bone

8) Martyn Lawrance

9) Sam Carter

10) Paul Thirlby

11) Pete Mabbott

12) Steve Kenward (c)

13) Tom Nicholas

14) Josh Palmer

15) Rhys Brownfield

Replacements:

16) Liam Jolly

17) Joel Ninnis

18) Sean Stevens