Ampthill travel to the Trailfinders Sports Club on Saturday afternoon looking to build on a second league win last weekend against Caldy at home.
Head Coach Paul Turner makes six changes to the starting XV this week – three each in the forwards and backs.
In the frontrow, Kiwi loosehead Harrison Courtney makes his first start since signing from Doncaster Knights in the summer, James Isaacs replaces Hadfield at hooker whilst big Dom Hardman retains the tighthead berth. Aidan King partners Kaden Pearce-Paul at lock this week with Turner naming an unchanged backrow – Tino Mapapalangi on the blindside, Karl Main on the openside and Kima Ravuvu making his fifth consecutive start at number eight.
In the backs, Rory Morgan returns to the starting XV alongside captain Josh Barton in the half backs. South-African centre Byron Sharwood makes his full debut outside vice-captain Fraser Strachan. The final change sees ex-Trailfinder Wilson Ijeh get his first start of the season on the right wing with Vereimi Qorowale swapping to the left and Oran McNulty again at full back.
Following a final training session at Harpenden on their 4G pitch, Head Coach Paul Turner comments “It’s always a tough trip to Trailfinders, they’re the most consistent team in the league and rightly favourites for the title again. We beat them at home last season but will need to be more disciplined in front and behind the ball this week to get a positive result”
Starting XV
1 Harrison Courtney 2. James Isaacs 3. Dom Hardman 4. Aidan King 5. Kaden Pearce-Paul 6. Tino Mapapalangi 7. Karl Main 8. Lekima Ravuvu 9. Rory Morgan 10. Josh Barton (c) 11. Vereimi Qorowale 12. Fraser Strachan 13. Byron Sharwood 14. Wilson Ijeh 15. Oran Mcnulty
Replacements:
16 Jordan Liney 17. Richard Barrington 18. Harvey Beaton 19. Jake Parkinson 20. Reggie Hammick 21. Roan Frostwick 22. Evan Mitchell 23. Fin Parker
Travelling Reserves:
James Flynn, Mason Cullen, Oskar Hicks
