Ashley Russell will make his 452nd appearance for Weston-super-Mare on Saturday when the Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West’s leaders host Cullompton, kick off at 2.30 pm, while for Chris Young it will be his 250th if he comes off the bench.
Russell, 42, made his first team debut in the National League 3 South 14-5 home victory over Redruth in December 2002, playing as blindside flanker. His appearance on Saturday will equal Colin Couch’s 452 (1954/71), with only Chris Brown (1967/95) 461 having played more games.
Weston-super-Mare will take a 12-match unbeaten run into the second half of the Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West season, while visitors Cullompton are one place off the foot of the league table.
The hosts are 14 points clear of second-placed Tiverton and ran in five tries in their 30-19 victory at Stafford Park in September. Cullompton have only won twice at home this season, both against fellow strugglers Teignmouth and Wellington.
After last weekend’s 42-27 win at Penzance & Newlyn, Russell returns in place of Tom Sugg, who was concussed in last weekend’s match. He is joined in the second row by George Talbot, who replaces Sam Larrimore.
In the backs, Ryan Watterston moves to full back in place of Alex Howman, with prolific try-scorer Hayden Main returning from injury on the wing. Archie Tilsley comes in at fly-half in place of George Nuttycombe.
Cullompton make two changes from the side that won 39-17 at home to Teignmouth last weekend, after the sides were tied at 5-5 at the break, with Luke Shergold starting at outside centre and Ali Tuckett at loosehead prop.
Weston-super-Mare (home v Cullompton, 2.30 pm): Ryan Watterston; Keaun Ballard, Cam Maslen, Marcus Nel, Hayden Main; Archie Tilsley, Jack Press; Charlie Brabham (capt), Gary Carpenter, Ieuan John, George Talbot, Ashley Russell, Callum Kingscott, Jacob Cox, Nasili Ikahihifo. Reps: Maison Turner, Jacob Simspon, Chris Young.
Cullompton: Josh Luxon (capt); Zac May, Luke Shergold, James Shere, Sam Gibbs; Lewis Gliddon, Brendan Cherry; Ali Tuckett, Sevie Hurrell, Sam Cooke, Josh Mammola, Adam Jarrett, George Woofenden, Jack Grandfield, Dev Welch. Reps: Damian Jarvis, Will Venner, Pete Aitken.
Referee: Alex Priddle.
Weston United’s comprehensive 88-7 home victory over Chard 2ndXV last weekend saw them retain third place in the Counties 3 Tribute Ale Somerset South table, seven points behind second-placed Wells but with a game in hand.
On Saturday, the United travel to face a Wiveliscombe 2ndXV who are two places off the foot of the table, but have several games in hand, having lost seven of their eight games to date, with their only win being in mid-September at home to Wellington 2ndXV.
Weston United (away v Wiveliscombe 2ndXV, 2.15 pm): Oli Marshall; Jack Bridgman, Dan Beer, Huw Matthews, Tom Blyth; Ollie Dadds, Fin Simpson; Harry Nash, Vinnie Jones, Ryan Donegan, Ross Chesher, Kieran Van Rassel, Robson Bird, Rhodri Williams (capt), Shaun Eaton. Reps: Simon Hudson, Callum Bliss, Billy Kirk, Charlie Beal.
Referee: Paul Goodison, Referee Advisor: Mel Hillman
Weston Athletic dropped to fifth place in the Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset South table after last weekend’s 42-5 defeat away to title-chasing Morganians. On Saturday, the Athletic will host fourth-placed Minehead Barbarians 2ndXV, kick-off 2.30 pm.
Weston Athletic (home v Minehead Barbarians 2ndXV, 2.30 pm): Rich Frost; Roo Beckett, Marc Prime, Ratu Natabuturu, Tee Masilela; Adam Budd, Josh Cooke; Jason Owen, Ethan Westlake, Lucas Williamson, Mike Powell, Chris Ashworth, Rich Bishop (capt), Dom Hawkins, Blaine Tottle. Reps: Stephen Donegan, Chris Davidson, Adam Lee, Mark Young, Clayton Dorrington.
Minehead Barbarians 2ndXV: Dylan Cherry; Jack Langdon, Matt Holman, Warwick Wilcox, Tohgo Kimura; Jim Cranswick, Rio Howard; Ed Allen, Elliott Floyd, Richard Holmes, Stuart Gilmour, Ollie Lock, Richard Winter, Will Lock, Sam How. Reps: Ryan Dellow, Cghris Govier, Marc Munro, Andy Eastaugh.
Referee: Chris Jones, Referee Advisor: Graeme King
