BOURNVILLE will field a new front-row for their final National Two West match of the season against Devonport Services at the Rectory Field on Saturday (3pm).
The retirement of tighthead prop Stef Thorp and the suspension of James Burgoyne, following his sending-off against Clifton two weeks ago, sees Scott Rudge and Clarkson McLeod recalled to the starting XV.
Jonjo Fanning, who started at number eight against Clifton, switches to hooker this week with James Weaver, who is taking up a coaching role with the Blues next season, set for a farewell appearance off the bench.
The match will also be the last in charge for Director of Rugby Paul Sumner who is stepping down at the end of the season due to work commitments.
Malta international Louis Mifsud takes Fanning’s place in the middle of the back-row with lock Harry Dawson also recalled in the fifth change to the pack.
There is one change to the back division with Joe Nellany named at full-back in place of the injured Joe Jenkins.
Lewis Hall, George Jewell and Freddie Morgan all come into the squad as replacements for Bourns’ first-ever trip to Devonport.
Saturday’s match is a Wooden Spoon decider with both Bournville and Devonport already relegated.
Bourns hold a three point lead over their hosts and have the chance to end the season on a high with the incentive of a first double this season, a first away win of the campaign and a first win on turf since February 2023 to play for.
Bournville | 15 Joe Nellany; 14 Will Loftus, 13 Mikey Ho, 12 Sam Grimshaw, 11 Nathan Decalmer; 10 Jacob Fewtrell, 9 Riess Price; 1 Scott Rudge, 2 Jonjo Fanning, 3 Clarkson Mcleod, 4 Harry Dawson, 5 Ben Meakin (C), 6 Kieran Henderson, 7 Adam Shaw, 8 Louis Mifsud.
Replacements | 16 Lewis Hall, 17 James Weaver, 18 George Jewell, 19 Freddie Morgan 20 Henry Harper.
