The Cockles head into a crucial pre Christmas period safe in the knowledge that a number of players will be returning from injury and unavailability, and that three of their four games in the build up to Christmas are at home

Returning Players

Influential back Tom Whelan is set to return from concussion suffered over a month ago against Bournemouth. Whelan has made a big impact since his summer move from Sidmouth and is likely to feature this weekend against Cleve (2.30pm kick off).

Another influential back, Mark Wathes could well return this weekend having missed the Camborne game having been withdrawn early against Weston with a hamstring complaint. The same goes for utility back Matt Ryan who is in contention this weekend having recovered from a similar injury.

The above trio will be a big boost , and could offset the potential loss of Harvey Ridgeway , who injured his shoulder when scoring a try in the victory against a Royal Navy xv last week, and possibly Alex Goldman, who suffered a bang to the head in the first half of the Camborne game.

In the forward pack, Tom Barnard has now recovered from concussion and is available for selection. George Savage has returned from an extended mid season holiday, and provides options in the front row. In the back five of the pack, Ben Hawley is free from work commitments this weekend, former Captain Ross Morshead is available , Lewis Cooper has finished his weekend Navy duties and should be available for all four games and Canadian Junior International Pete Ingoldsby has recovered from illness.

Selection Headaches

Having Nine players available for selection who weren't available against Camborne is likely to pose the coaching staff a few selection headaches. However, victory over Camborne in the last fixture may limit mass changes, but is likely to see a stronger 1st and 2nd xv in the is next block of fixtures.

This Saturday's game against Cleve is another double header , with the 2nd xv also at home against Clifton 2nd xv in the South West Pilot League. The weekends games are being sponsored by Ideal Cleaners, valued club sponsors, who also sponsor back rower Sam Richardson (pictured).

Regards

Jon