Pumas prowling up the M3 to Chineham

Locks Heath Pumas travel up the M3 to Basingstoke to face Chineham tomorrow (November 2).

Pumas will be looking for a team effort at Chineham tomorrow

After having their game against Alresford cancelled last week and the previous week fielding a 2nd XV in the cup, the Pumas are keen to get back to winning ways in the league, but know that visiting mid table Chineham at home after such a break will be a tough ask.

Injuries and unavailability has again forced coaches Mike Vine and Jim Pearce’s hand, with many positional changes and welcoming old faces back to the squad.

Two changes in the front row as Stewart Williams gets a first start at loose head and there is a welcome return for Lee Sewell at hooker after being away with work.

In the back row, Julian Beard comes in at No8 for the injured Andy Martin with skipper Tom O’Grady starting at openside and Charlie Ford starting at blindside.

In the backs, regular hooker Dave Parker moves to his alternative position of scrum half with scrum half Nick Destafano starting at fly half to make way for Parker.

Robbie English is back from a shoulder injury to start at outside centre and veteran Gary Camfield returns to action at full back.

Injured No.8 Andy Martin said: “Having had a great start to the season, it is unfortunate, and plain bad luck in my case, that we have so many players out injured and unavailable this early in the season.

“However, it gives other guys the chance to show their versatility in different positions and 2nd XV players the chance to shine in the 1st XV.

“Chineham always give us a tough game, but I know that the boys that have been selected can step up and keep us in contention this season”

Kick off at Chineham is 2.30pm. The Pumas return to home action on November 9 against Fawley at Brookfield School.