Ampthill welcome Premiership leaders Bath to The Olney Field with Head Coach Paul Turner describing the game as “another great occasion for our club”
Turner makes eight changes to the side that faced Ealing two weeks ago.
New signing Luke Thompson arrived from Lansdowne FC in the All-Ireland League this week and starts at hooker with James Flynn and James Johnston in the front row. Both Australian locks start for the first time this season with Aidan King alongside Oskar Hicks in the engine room whilst Turner names an unchanged back row for the fourth consecutive game with Tino Mapapalangi on the blindside, Karl Main on the openside and Lekima Ravuvu at number eight.
Roan Frostwick makes his first start since re-signing from Norths Rugby alongside captain Josh Barton in the half-backs second new signing Tongan centre Sione Va’enuku makes his debut partnering Byron Sharwood in midfield. A new look back three of Mason Cullen, Imi Qorowale and Evan Mitchell will try and get the Mob playing on the front foot.
Turner names a six:two bench that includes three potential debutants – Charlie Ryland, who came through the Ampthill youth system covers the back row with Scottish U20s pair Callum Norrie (prop) and Kerr Thompson (centre). Syd Blackmore will make his first appearance of the season from the bench.
Speaking ahead of a game that should see a huge crowd fill The Olney Field, Paul Turner said “It’s another great occasion for the club with the Premiership leaders coming to our place. Bath will be a huge challenge on the pitch and we’ll have to win every individual battle to get a positive result. Whatever the outcome I’m sure our supporters will have a great day!”
Starting XV
1 James Flynn 2. Luke Thompson 3. James Johnston 4. Aidan King 5. Oskar Hicks 6. Tino Mapapalangi (vc) 7. Karl Main 8. Lekima Ravuvu 9. Roan Frostwick 10. Josh Barton (c) 11. Mason Cullen 12. Sione Va’enuku 13. Byron Sharwood 14. Vereimi Qorowale 15. Evan Mitchell
Replacements:
16 Syd Blackmore 17. Richard Barrington 18. Callum Norrie 19. Jake Parkinson 20. Charlie Rylands
21. Arthur Thomas 22. Rory Morgan 23. Kerr Johnston
