Ampthill team to face Tigers challenge

Ampthill Head Coach Paul Turner takes his side to Leicester Tigers' Mattioli Woods Welford Road in what he describes as “by far the biggest game in our club’s history” as the teams meet for the very first time despite being formed only a year apart in 1880 and 1881 respectively!

Turner makes five changes in personnel to the starting XV this week plus two positional changes. Aleki Lutui’s big game experience will be invaluable this week, and he starts again alongside Syd Blackmore but with Zac Nearchou selected at loosehead. 

Turner names a new pairing at lock as Kaden Pearce-Paul and Alex Wardell both make their full Mob debuts in the engine room. Ex-Scarlet Iestyn Rees moves to his preferred blindside birth this week with Joe Bercis makes his 184thappearance for the club – equalling 1881 Head Coach Gavin Williams record on the open side, and club captain Morgan Strong again at number eight.  

Scrum-half Charlie Bracken was a first half replacement last week and starts alongside Gwyn Parks at ten whilst midfield pairing Oli Morris and Fraser Strachan have formed a formidable partnership since both re-joined the club. Turner again changes both wings as Josh Skelcey returns on the left and Francis Moore makes his full debut on the right, with Ollie Dawkins moving to full-back.

Head Coach Paul Turner ahead of the game “When I came here 12 years ago, I never would have imagined we’d be playing Leicester Tigers at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. It’s by far the biggest game in our club’s history – we’ll enjoy the occasion, we’re excited and looking forward to it!”

Starting XV

15. Ollie Dawkins 14. Francis Moore 13. Oli Morris 12. Fraser Strachan 11. Josh Skelcey 10. Gwyn Parks 9. Charlie Bracken 1. Zac Nearchou 2. Syd Blackmore 3. Aleki Lutui 4. Alex Wardell 5. Kaden Pearce-Paul 6. Iestyn Rees 7. Joe Bercis 8. Morgan Strong (c)

Replacements

16. Ben Chapman 17. Jevaughn Warren 18. Jasper Maguire 19. Griff Evans 20. Sam Asotasi 21. Pete White 22. Josh Bragman 23. Fin Parker