Ampthill welcome old friends Caldy RFC to The Olney Field in Round 24 of Elior Champ Rugby looking to extend their recent run of form.
The Mob have recorded bonus point wins against Hartpury and Scottish on the road sandwiching victories against both Richmond and Doncaster at home, but Head Coach Dave Ward isn’t underestimating the threat that ‘the Ravers’ bring on Saturday afternoon. “we can’t take one eye off Caldy, they’ve already upset a few big teams, nearly beat Ealing – probably should’ve won and had a great result against Hartpury last weekend and they’re coming to Dillingham Park with intent to build on that”
Ward makes five changes to the starting XV that ran out at The RAG last weekend. Loosehead Harrison Courtney was Ampthill’s impact forward of the week off the bench last week and he starts with the returning Seb Smith at hooker. Jevaughn Warren retains the tighthead shirt for the fifth consecutive game – testament to his recent performances. A single change in the back five with Kennedy Sylvester and Justin Matalele in the engine room, Ollie Mullarkey on the blindside, vice-captain Charles Rylands on the openside and Tongan talisman Tino Mapalangi returns to the starting line up at eight.
Efan Jones and Luke Davidson again combine in the half backs with captain Fraser Strachan and Sione Va’enuku in midfield. Two changes in the back three as Joe Heslop comes in on the right wing with Finn Keylock at full-back. Top scorer Oscar Wilson starts again on the left.
Ampthill v Caldy kicks off at 3pm. Gates open 2pm. Discounted tickets available online at ampthillrufc.com
Starting XV
1 Harrison Courtney 2. Seb Smith 3. Jevaughn Warren 4. Kennedy Slyvester 5. Justin Mataele
6. Ollie Mullarkey 7. Charles Rylands (vc) 8. Tino Mapapalangi 9. Efan Jones 10. Luke Davidson 11. Oscar Wilson 12. Fraser Strachan (c) 13. Sione Vaenuku 14. Joe Heslop 15. Finn Keylock
Replacements
16 James Isaacs 17. Rich Barrington 18. James Johnston 19. Jake Parkinson 20. Barney Merrett 21. Harrison Dakin 22. Rory Morgan 23. Sam Kildunne
Referee: Harry Walbaum