LAUNCESTON have been forced into changes both in terms of position and personnel for tomorrow’s trip to Sidmouth in Regional One South West (2.30pm).
The All Blacks are currently top of the table with six wins from seven, their only defeat coming to Sidmouth’s fellow East Devon outfit, neighbours Exmouth.
Launceston have averaged over 40 points per game so far – scoring 301 points, 117 of which have come via scrum-half George Hillson, the second best in the whole of the country.
But tomorrow’s clash at Heydons Lane could be tricky.
The promoted hosts have beaten St Austell and Royal Wootton Bassett in their last two games following a five-match losing run to start, and could name former Exeter Chiefs players Shaun Moulton and Phil Dollman in their ranks.
The two clubs have yet to meet in a competitive fixture, and their small, sloping pitch could be a big advantage.
From the victory over Matson a fortnight ago, Launceston have to do without several key players.
Prop Charlie Short has been handed a four-match ban following his red card in that game, although two have already been served, while skipper and fly-half Tom Sandercock broke his finger in the same outing. Versatile back Ben Bryant is back at university.
Winger Ollie Bebbington, who was injured last time out, won’t be back from Australia until the St Austell game on November 30.
Thankfully for the visitors, flying Argentinian full-back Jose Luis Juarez has recovered from a hamstring injury and starts, while there is a debut for winger Kuda Chisango after his try-scoring exploits for the second team. James Tucker moves from full-back to fill Sandercock’s spot at fly-half while Dom Ellery comes into the side at flanker with Alex Bartlett going to prop and Tom Bottoms to the second row to partner Dan Goldsmith.
Chisango is joined in the squad by usual team mates Oli Martin and Richard Jasper in a much-changed bench.
LAUNCESTON at Sidmouth: Jose Luis Juarez, Zerran Hammond, Billy Martin, Cam Fogden, Kuda Chisango, James Tucker, George Hillson; Mitch Hawken, Levent Bulut, Alex Bartlett, Dan Goldsmith, Tom Bottoms, Dom Ellery, Lloyd Duke, Brandon Rowley. Replacements: Oli Martin, Leion Cole, Richard Jasper.
The Castles, who are flying high at the top of Counties Three Cornwall, have been handed a walkover by Falmouth Seconds, the same opposition who did likewise for their Duchy Cup clash last weekend.
Launceston Ladies, who were beaten for the first time in over two years last time out at Penryn, welcome Weston-super-Mare based Hornets on Sunday afternoon with a 2.30pm kick-off in Women’s NC 1 South West (West).
LAUNCESTON LADIES v Hornets: Chloe Samways, Madi Vine, Meg Tucker, Abbie Smith, Rachel Hicks, Joey Bartlett, Amy Warman; Mel Ruby (capt), Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Meg Arnold, Avril Crabb, Vicki Doidge, Caitlin Hancock, Holly Williams. Replacements: Briony Eddy, Abby Matthews, Gemma Old, Lauren Carlyon, Ellen Armstrong.