LAUNCESTON have made two changes from last Saturday’s opening day victory over Brixham for tomorrow’s trip to Chew Valley (3pm).
The All Blacks head up to Somerset buoyed by their impressive 38-31 success over the Fishermen and tackle a side that were surprisingly beaten at promoted Royal Wootton Bassett.
Chew, who finished an impressive third last time out, have lost a number of key players over the summer, including full-back Tom Bryan – widely regarded as one of the best players in the division – to National League Two West outfit Old Reds.
However, like most clubs, they are a different beast on home soil and will provide the Cornishmen with a stern test.
Launceston joint head coaches Ian Goldsmith and Ryan Western have solved their big selection dilemma in the backline by giving a first start at Step Five for winger James Redwood who has often impressed in the seconds.
He is given his chance with full-back James Tucker still not over his ankle injury, while centre Ben Bryant is unavailable.
It means a slight reshuffle with last weekend’s joint man of the match Ollie Bebbington reverting to full-back in place of Jose Luis Juarez who takes Bryant’s spot at 13.
There is also a change in the pack as former captain Lloyd Duke is recalled.
He lines up in his customary position at openside-flanker with Dom Ellery moving to the opposite side and Tom Bottoms taking over from Alex Bartlett at lock.
The versatile Bartlett is one of three front row options on the bench as hooker Billy Martin comes in for winger Cohen Larson, and will join prop Ethan Pearce-Cowley in hoping to make an impact as the game goes on.
LAUNCESTON at Chew Valley: Ollie Bebbington, Zerran Hammond, Jose Luis Juarez, Cam Fogden, James Redwood, Tom Sandercock (capt), George Hillson; Mitch Hawken, Levent Bulut, Charlie Short, Dan Goldsmith, Tom Bottoms, Dom Ellery, Lloyd Duke, Brandon Rowley. Replacements: Ethan Pearce-Cowley, Billy Martin, Alex Bartlett.
The Castles – who are aiming for a serious promotion push from Counties Three Cornwall – started with a 20-10 success at Roseland last Saturday and welcome Lankelly-Fowey to Polson Bridge (3pm).
Mike Haines’ men have a plethora of options available and have named the following side.
LAUNCESTON CASTLES v Lankelly-Fowey: Mitch Acres, Kudukwashe Chisango, Ollie Tomkies, Richard Jasper, Dale Johnson, Adam Collings, Corey Sillifant; Ollie Martin (capt), Isaac Blencowe, Callum Johns, Tom Walton, Ben Greene, Chris Hall, Ollie Redwood, Pete Bebbington. Replacements: Simon Burden, Harvey Basford, Finn Stiles, Mark Knight, Harvey Fry.