After an excellent start to the season, we host our second match of National League rugby in what is bound to be a tough game against Stourbridge.

Last Saturday, Exeter took the long trip up to Loughborough for a hard-fought university derby, in which the squad came home with a comprehensive 37-17 win. Now with three bonus point wins out of three to start off this season, EURFC look to be in a very strong position to challenge at the sharp end.

Stourbridge’s early season fortunes have been far less favourable after losses to both last week's opponents Loughborough and next week's opposition Clifton. However, there are no easy games in this league as both teams will looking for victories to advance higher up the table.

Team News:

For Exeter it is wholesale changes, with all 15 men changing from the win last weekend against Loughborough, but it no doubt this is still a strong side to face Stourbridge.

Many of the side have been promoted from the bench for the game including front rowers Oliver Webb and, after an incredible offload last week Tom Gulley makes his first start at tighthead prop. The rest of the front row is comprised of Jared Williams who returns after a week out.

Matt Cook is back in the second row and is partnered by Joe Bailey. It’s an almost all completely new back row with only Ronan Kelly previously playing this season. He’s joined by Luke Bralsford on the flank and Josh Throne at No. 8.

In the back line it’s Orson James and Sam Walker as the halfback pairing, with Walker starting at 10 for the first time after an appearance in the centres against Barnstaple. Archie Hill makes his first start of the season after a substitute appearance last week and is joined by Zack Wimbush in the centres.

The back three is made up of George Davis, Ed Thomas and Hugo Ellerby all playing for the first time this season.

Tomorrow’s Opponents:

A successful season last year, Stourbridge finished in 4th place in National League 2, finishing with a points total in excess of 100 points. Their home form was particularly impressive, losing just once at Stourton Park, but they only won 7 from 14 away from home.

Despite the precarious nature of this division, Stourbridge have not changed leagues since getting promoted from National League 3 North nearly 20 years ago. Within that time, they have rarely come close to relegation, and have regularly challenged towards the sharp end of the table.

However, this season has not started as they would have hoped. Heavy defeats away to Redruth and Clifton and a home loss to Loughborough, mean Stourbridge currently find themselves sat in 14th and in search of points, as they look to climb the table.

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: A BBQ will be available at the ground, providing burgers and hotdogs throughout the match. No drinks will be available at Topsham Sports Ground on game day.

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

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