Exeter are back at Topsham this Saturday and this time, they face Hinckley in National League 2 West. Last weekend the EURFC boys got back on track in National 2 after a dominant attacking performance against Hornets at The Nest. The game was a story of tries, tries and more tries, with near on ninety points split between both sides, but it was Exeter who came away with the full five points putting them at 4th in the league; one place above this week’s opponents Hinckley.

Whilst EURFC may be one place ahead in the league, Hinckley will prove to be tough opposition this weekend. After only one loss in Round 2 to Leicester Lions, our visitors come to us on the back of a win at home to Stourbridge and will bring a good competition this weekend to Topsham.

Tomorrow’s Opponents:
Hinckley Rugby Club was formed in 1892 with the first matches being played the following year. As with many clubs, Hinckley moved regularly during the early years of the 20th-century before moving to Coventry Road in 1929 and to its current Leicester Road location just under forty years later. After a strong 1970s, the 1980s were unkind to Hinckley and when the league system was formed the club suffered three consecutive relegations. However, fortunes improved in the 1990s and they started to move back up the rugby hierarchy and reached the National leagues by the end of the 1990s.

Hinckley finished 13th last year in the National league 2 South however have had a much stronger start to this season so far in National League 2 west after only one defeat in Round 2. Other notable results for the side so far this season include an impressive 45-17 win against Barnstaple.

Team News:
Head coach Rich Hodges isn’t resting on his laurels, as he makes sweeping changes to the side that got the win against Hornets last week.

It’s a completely different starting front-row with Freeman, Holyroyd and Gulley in for Williams, Butterworth and Alexander. Joe Bailey starts in the second row along with Matt Cook, whilst Josh Thorne moves to blindside, with Ben Grubb starting at 8.

There’s continuity in the halfback pairing of Murray and Walker after an incredible performance last week from them both. Wimbush is joined by Gleave in the centres after an impressive performance off the bench last week.

Ed Thomas moves to full back, but John Searle remains on the left wing, with Tom Tribe shifting to the wing.

As for the replacements, Jago Bailey and Luke Bralsford remain, and are joined by Oliver Webb, Archie Rolls and Harvey Graham.

Getting Here:

Car: Topsham Sports Ground is located just outside of Topsham itself. Follow the A38 and pick
up signs for the A379 to Topsham.

Parking: Limited parking is available at Topsham Sports Ground, with cars charged per person
on the gate. Disabled parking is also available onsite. Please contact the club via Twitter or
Facebook for disabled parking arrangements.

Train: From Exeter St. David’s, connect onto any train to Exmouth, leaving the train at
Topsham. The ground is approximately 10 minutes from the station by foot.

Matchday Facilities: Ad's Pizzas will be selling a range of pizzas throughout the match, with Tipsy Box Bar providing refreshments throughout.

Admission Fee: £5 for adults, £2 for students. U16s go free

Entry can be paid by cash or card on the gate.