Ampthill Head Coach Paul Turner names a new-look side as the Mob welcome Newcastle Falcons to The Olney Field in the first round of the Premiership Cup.
The two sides only previous meeting came in the 2019-20 season when Ampthill travelled to Kingston Park a matter of weeks before the first covid lockdown. The hosts ran out 45-29 winners that day, but Ampthill took a four-try bonus point home – the only side to do so against Falcons defence in their Championship winning season!
Up front, Jasper McGuire is one of six debutants in the starting XV and packs down with Syd Blackmore and Dom Hardman in the front row. Ampthill have a Welsh engine-room with a pairing of Cai Devine and ex-Scarlets man Iestyn Rees. Samoan U20 Sam Asotasi starts on the blindside, Josh Smart on the openside and new club captain Morgan Strong shoring up the pack at number eight.
Is the backs, Charlie Bracken gets the starting 9 jersey and is partnered in the half-backs by Gwyn Parks – a contender for Man of the Match in the preseason game against Nottingham. Ex-Falcon Ewan Greenlaw combines with the returning Oli Morris in midfield whilst a back three of Josh Skelcey, Jack Spittle and Player of the Season Tom Bacon will look to get the Mob on the front foot at every opportunity.
Fans favourite Joe Bercis returns to the Match Day twenty three for the first time in nearly twelve months and will make his 182nd appearance for the club from the bench having missed most of the 2022-23 season.
Head Coach Paul Turner following a final training session on Thursday night “We’ve had a good preseason. Preparation has gone well and we are excited by the challenge of facing Premiership opposition. Newcastle will bring a strong squad to Dillingham Park and we’ll need to match them in every department if we are to get anything from the game – whatever the outcome I’m sure the Ampthill crowd will enjoy it – We really need them to be the 16th man on the bank on Saturday afternoon.”
This match is sponsored by Senior Partners SOGO Mobility who are now sponsors for a third season. Tickets are available in advance at
Starting XV
- Tom Bacon 14. Jack Spittle 13. Oli Morris 12. Ewan Greenlaw 11. Josh Skelcey 10. Gwyn Parks 9. Charlie Bracken 1. Jasper McGuire 2. Syd Blackmore 3. Dom Hardman 4. Iestyn Rees 5. Cai Devine 6. Sam Asotasi 7. Josh Smart 8. Morgan Strong
Replacements
- Ben Chapman 17. Zac Nearchou 18. Jevaughn Warren 19. Kaden Paul-Pearce 20. Joe Bercis 21. Harri Williams 22. Fraser Strachan 23. Ollie Dawkins
