With the festive season around the corner, and the halfway point of the season coming fast, the boys will be looking at getting some wins before the winter break kicks in.

They also are looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat to high-flying Dings Crusaders. 2 first half tries meant the Bristolians were always in control. So despite late tries from Ronan Kelly and Kofi Barton-Byfield, it wasn’t enough for Exeter to salvage anything from the game.

We’re back on the road this week, but we are for once heading further west towards Cornwall and tomorrow’s opponents Camborne.

TOMORROW’S OPPONENTS

One of the oldest clubs in the South-West, the Cherry and White was founded by miners in 1878. A dominant side for most of the first half of the 20th Century, even attracting interest from the All Blacks, Australia and South Africa who all matched up against Cornwall at Camborne. After the Second World War, the good form continued and included an England call-up for fullback John Collins. Further Cornish league and cup titles were secured in the 80s, and they were placed in tier 4 when the national league system was set up.

Initially yo-yo-ing around the regional divisions, going as far as tier 7, Camborne finally settled in South West 1 for much of the 2010s. They made steady progress but continued to miss out on promotion until it was finally secured in 2016. Some more consistent finishes followed in South West Prem, before promotion was secured last season.

It has been a great start for the newbies this season. 7 wins from 11, including a big win over Cornish rivals Redruth was the way they wanted to begin life in tier 4. However recent results have not been as good, a defeat to Luctonians was followed by an 82-25 smashing by Loughborough last week.

KEY PLAYERS
Josh Matavesi – 2 World Cups and 47 caps for Fiji, 411 professional appearances across England, France and Wales, the experienced centre has returned to where it all began this season.
Ben Priddey – Another side reliant on their pack, the hooker has picked up many tries off the back of the maul this season.
Nico de Battista – Much of the attack goes through the former Cornish Pirates and Zebre man, he was a big loss last week.

TEAM NEWS

Plenty of change in the pack this week as DoR Elliot looks for a response from the boys following last week’s defeat. Tom Gulley is now joined in the front row by Chris Freeman and Ollie Webb. Charlie Bell has debutant James Boylan for company in the second row, and Kane James makes his first start since Round 2 at No. 8

Ben Potter is the only change in the backs, as he replaces Will Smears at scrum half.