Match Preview: Caldy v 1st XV, 16/09/23

September 15, 2023

Ampthill travel to Caldy tomorrow in Round 2 of the Premiership Rugby Cup looking to kickstart their season following a 17 v 40 defeat to Newcastle Falcons.

The sides met twice on The Paton Field last season with both teams winning once – Caldy 17 v 13 in the Championship Cup in November and Ampthill 16 v 17 in March. The sides meet in a new competition this weekend but the game will be just as competitive.

Head Coach Paul Turner shuffles his squad and makes eight changes to the fifteen that started against Falcons last weekend.

Jasper McGuire retains his place at loosehead, whilst Ben Chapman starts in place of Syd Blackmore and club legend Aleki Lutui replaces Dom Hardman at tighthead. Iestyn Rees impressed against Falcons and is joined by ex-Scarlets teammate Griff Evans in the engine room this week. Joe Bercis starts at six this week after coming on early in last week’s game in place of Sam Asotasi, whilst Josh Smart and club captain Morgan Strong retain the starting seven and eight jerseys.

Harri Williams makes his competitive debut for the Mob having been an unused replacement last weekend, with Gwyn Parks alongside him at fly-half. Man of the Match Oli Morris has a new midfield partner this week in Fraser Strachan, whilst Turner names Wilson Ijeh and and Ollie Dawkins on the wings with Tom Bacon again at full back.

Head Coach Paul Turner ahead of the game Whilst it’ll be nice to play familiar opposition there are never any easy trips to Caldy, they’re always very competitive games. Conditions should be a little easier this week and If we can match the levels from the first half against Falcons we should get the result we want.”

Starting XV

Tom Bacon 14. Wilson Ijeh 13. Oli Morris 12. Fraser Strachan 11. Ollie Dawkins 10. Gwyn Parks 9. Harri Williams 1. Jasper McGuire 2. Ben Chapman 3. Aleki Lutui 4. Iestyn Rees 5. Griff Evans 6. Joe Bercis7. Josh Smart 8. Morgan Strong

Replacements