Amps expect arm-wrestle against Improving Hartpury

AMPTHILL welcome old National One rivals Hartpury back to Dillingham Park for the second time in the Championship, with director of rugby Mark Lavery expecting “a tough and physical encounter”.

Head coach Paul Turner makes only one change in the backs from the side that lost narrowly to Coventry last weekend with Leicester loanee Jonny

Law rotating with Matt Marsh at scrum-half.

Jeremy To’a starts again at inside centre after his try-scoring performance at Butts Park while the backline of Will Foster, Tom Hudson and Will Brown combine for the fourth consecutive game.

Hartpury old boy Syd Blackmore starts his first

Championship game of the season with forwards coach Dave Ward on the bench. Saracens dual-reg player Ollie Stonham makes his Championship debut at No.8.

Lavery said: “We had two really even games against Hartpury last season which could have gone either way and I’m expecting another nailbiter.

“I hope we can take some positives from last weekend’s game, but we will need to play for the full 80 minutes and be more accurate when we get into the Hartpury red zone.”

Hartpury will largely stick with the forward pack that helped them to a home victory over Nottingham last time out – their second win of the season.

The only change in the starting eight is at lock where Scott Russell sustained a shoulder injury that will prevent him playing again this season.

Ehize Ehizode returns to the starting line-up, with Arthur Clark continuing his development by offering real impact among the replacements.

Hard-carrying No.8, Morgan Monks, was also

an early casualty against Nottingham, but has made a good recovery and will be back for Ampthill.

The backs are more fluid, as a mixture of rotation and injury sees a number of ins and outs.

Sam Smith, brother of centre Robbie, makes his first competitive Hartpury appearance having previously played his rugby at neighbours Cinderford.

Ben Foley and George Simpson are both recovering from knocks, although

Foley – the club’s leading scorer – is fit enough to provide cover among the finishers.

Will Partington slots back into the 15 shirt while James Williams, who has been a stand-out presence in the Hartpury midfield this season, starts at flyhalf.

Luke Eves makes appearance 101 for Hartpury, alongside Robbie Smith in the centres, having brought up the ton against Nottingham.