Last week was an unfortunate result for EURFC as they failed to win at Hollow drift in a tough game against rivals Durham. Despite a valiant second half effort the side were hit with multiple injuries and fell short at the final whistle.

The conditions were harsh at Hollow Drift last week as the rain lashed down; it was an uncharacteristic performance for the Exeter side as a series of penalties and handling errors allowed Durham to make the most of the score board and edge the win.

After a disappointing result, for the first time in a while Exeter return to home to face a impressive Bath side who currently sit joint top of the table with Cardiff Met.

Fly Half Josh Barton reflected on last week’s loss saying: “Durham’s always a tough place to go and is a bit of a grudge match for us so the boys are disappointed, but the boys are fully focused on going forward.”

Barton who is one of the more experienced head in the side and part of the leadership group said the mindset hasn’t changed a huge amount heading into Wednesday but being back home and on the crumb definitely changes things.

Looking ahead to the challenge Bath will present Barton was optimistic: “We just need to stick to our process and stick to what we do well. Attack’s going to be a really crucial part of the game they’re a strong side at the moment and I think we’re two very similar sides in our style of play.”

Head coach Rich Hodges has been forced into one change to the starting XV. With both Sam Higginson and Lucas Dorrell going off injured last week Luke Bralsford starts at blindside.

On the bench there are three changes all in the forward pack. There’s a return from injury for hooker Scott Butterworth. In addition, Tiron Bowen and Will De Boehmler both return to the bench.

Kick off will be at 13:00 pm on the Rubber Crumb with live updates available on the EURFC Twitter page.