Boosted by the returns of key forwards Tom Brown and Dave Bargent , and influential backs Lloyd Watkins, Mark Wathes and Matt Ryan, there are also a number of positional changes. Returning to the starting line up also includes Charlie Gibbings and Dan Armstrong, with Henry Goldson moving to the wing, and Jack Downie moving to full back to replace the unavailable Richard Bright , on duty at Sandy Park this weekend.

Still missing the likes of Tom Barnard, George Savage, Ben Hawley, Lewis Cooper, James Harris, Richard Bright and fly half Tom Whelan, the Cockles see the benefit of having good strength in depth to cope with the demands of league rugby. Whelan, still suffering with the effects of concussion, is likely to be out until at least the end of the month, which is a significant blow to the club, such is the impact he has made since his arrival in the summer.

The Cockles will expect big performances from the returning Charlie Gibbings (currently being watched by higher level clubs), and Dan Armstrong, the latter of whom came of the bench for an Exeter Chiefs Academy side in their midweek draw against the Royal Navy Under 23's. Also included in the Chiefs side on Wednesday were Cockles' Pete Ingoldsby (who had a very strong game in the back row), Ned Mills (who made his 1st xv debut last weekend), and Harvey Ridgeway (who makes the 1st xv squad this weekend).

Saturday is Vice Presidents Day at the club, in a match day sponsored by St Austell Brewery. It is also a double header weekend, with the 2nd xv playing Cinderford in the South West Pilot League, with a 2.15pm kick off.

1st xv selection:

1. Nick Halse
2. Charlie Gibbings
3. Tom Brown
4. Jack Fahy (Capt)
5. Dan Armstrong
6. Pete Ingoldsby
7. Dave Bargent
8. Sam Richardson
9. Lloyd Watkins
10. George Meadows
11. Henry Goldson
12. Alex Goldman
13. Mark Wathes
14. Matt Ryan
15. Jack Downie

Reps:
16. Davy McGregor
17. Mike Richards
18. Harvey Ridgeway