Exeter Uni is back to winning ways following the dramatic last-minute victory over Newport Salop last week. Ben Coen’s 80th-minute penalty proved to be the difference in a tense match which pushed the boys in green up to 3rd in the table.

This week sees the start of a difficult run of fixtures with matchups against 3 of the top 5 sides in the league. It starts tomorrow with a game at home to Dings Crusaders in the pick of the fixtures this weekend.

TOMORROW’S OPPONENTS

Founded in 1897, Dings is one of Bristol’s oldest clubs, having been a founding member of the Bristol Combination when it was set up in 1901. They found immediate success when the league system was founded in 1996, with 3 promotions in 7 years to enter the national leagues. They were a consistent member for 15 years before being relegated back down but they weren’t there for long. The Bristolians won promotion back to Nat 2 in 2019 and have been maintained since.

They worked their way up the table, with last season being the highlight. The only side to beat champions Leicester Lions and a 2nd-place finish showed their quality to the rest of the league. This season has followed a similar path. One of the top sides in the league, Dings are one of many sides, including Exeter Uni, looking to chase down early leaders Luctonians.

KEY PLAYERS
Joe Hawkesby – A team that prides themselves in their pack, the hooker has received much of the spoils of their hard work, scoring 10 tries already this term.
Harry Hone – A regular starter in Nat 1 last year, the No. 8 has been ever present for Dings this year offering plenty of power and aggression in attack.
Murdoch Lock – Having already played in BUCS Super Rugby and the Premiership Rugby cup for Bath this year, the scrum-half is crucial in organising the pack.

TEAM NEWS

The only changes Elliot has opted to make in the pack are in the front row as Owain Watts, who gets a first start, and Tom Gulley replace Arnold and Alexander.

There are plenty of alterations in the back line as Kian Gentry comes in for Dando in the centres, and Ed Volley and Kofi Barton-Byfield make a return to Nat 2 rugby on either wing.

Both Angus Neville will be looking to making his first apperence of the year off the bench, and Kane James is ready to play his first game since Round 2 following a long time out with an injury.