Ampthill travel to Kingsey Road in Round 5 of Champ Rugby with Head Coach Dave Ward expecting a big reaction from his squad after back-to-back defeats against Worcester and Blues.
Ward makes seven changes the line-up that started against Bedford last Saturday – some due to injuries and other tactical. Harrison Courtney continues in the loosehead prop jersey with Seb Smith alongside him at hooker whilst Callum Norrie retains the number 3 jersey for the fifth consecutive game. Samoan lock Tatoa Auvaa is partnered by Olamide Sodeke this week whilst in the back-row Charlie West starts on the blindside with vice-captain Charles Rylands on the openside and Tongan Tino Mapapalangi at number eight.
Livewire Efan Jones starts again at nine and he is joined in the half-backs by returning player-coach Louis Grimoldby. Captain Fraser Strachan is partnered by Olly Hartley in his first start of the season in place of Oscar Wilson who sustained a knock against a Blues. The back three sees two changes with Sam Kildunne on the left wing, Angus Hall on the right and Josh Barton making his 50th appearance for the Mob at full back.
New signing Tongan international Justin Mataele will make his debut from the bench this week after playing for the 1881 at Richmond last weekend.
Following a final training session on Thursday night Dave Ward said “We’re looking for a reaction from the squad this week, we let ourselves and the supporters down last Saturday and we’ll be looking to get our season back on track on Saturday afternoon. We had two tight games against Chinnor last season and they’re always strong at home – we’ll need to be at our best to get the result we want”
Chinnor v 1st XV kicks off at 3pm. If you cant make it to Kingsey Road then watch live on Clubber.TV or in the clubhouse at Dillingham Park.
1. Harrison Courtney 2. Seb Smith 3. Callum Norrie 4. Totoa Auvaa 5. Olamide Sodeke 6. Charlie West 7. Charles Rylands (vc) 8. Tino Mapapalangi 9. Efan Jones 10. Louis Grimoldby 11. Sam Kildunne 12. Fraser Strachan (c) 13. Olly Hartley 14. Angus Hall 15. Josh Barton
Replacements:
16 Harrison Dakin 17 Rich Barrington 18 Jevaughn Warren 19 Justin Mataele 20 Ollie Mullarkey 21 Reggie Hammick 22 Alex Davies 23 Sam Spink