Ampthill welcome old rivals Coventry Rugby to The Olney Field in a game that Head Coach Paul Turner describes as “a challenge” after “a disappointing performance” at Nottingham last Saturday.
The Mob lead twice at The Lady Bay before eventually coming home with only a four try bonus point whilst our visitors ran in seven tries at The Butts Park in a 45-5 win against Caldy.
Turner makes seven changes to the fifteen that started against Nottingham last Saturday plus two additional positional changes. James Flynn, Samson Adejimi and Luke Green all make their first starts of the season in the front row having come off the bench last week. Iestyn Rees switches to lock this week alongside Kaden Pearce-Paul and captain Morgan Strong has a powerful pairing in Olly Stonham and Izzy Moore-Aiono either side of him in the back row.
Charlie Bracken and Gwyn Parks start again in the half backs. Oli Morris has a new midfield partner this week as Olly Hartley makes his first appearance of the season. A back three of Alex Harmes, Tobias Elliot and Tom Bacon will look to get the Mob on the front foot.
New signing Joe Green and Manu Vunipola will be looking to make their Ampthill debuts from a bench that includes the returning Sam Crean and Brandon Jackson.
Ahead of the game, Turner comments “This is a massive game for us after such a disappointing performance last weekend. Coventry have had an excellent start to season and are a team in form. The challenge is there for us”
The game has been sponsored by several past 1st XV players in memory of their teammate Steven Jepp who sadly passed away earlier this year. An auction during lunch will raise funds for Samaritans and there will be a minutes silence before the game.
Starting XV:
- Tom Bacon 14. Tobias Elliot 13. Oli Morris 12. Olly Hartley 11. Alex Harmes 10. Gwyn Parks 9. Charlie Bracken 1. James Flynn 2. Samson Adejimi 3. Luke Green 4. Iestyn Rees 5. Kaden Pearce-Paul 6. Ollie Stonham 7. Izzy Moore-Aiono 8. Morgan Strong (c)
Replacements:
16. Beck Cutting 17. Sam Crean 18. Dom Hardman 19. Nathan Michelow 20. Josh Smart 21. Joe Green 22. Manu Vunipola 23. Brandon Jackson
