THE Cornish All Blacks have made four changes to their team ahead of tomorrow’s pivotal trip to second-placed Okehampton, in Tribute South West One (West).

Although the All Blacks eventually saw off a spirited North Petherton side 37-27 at Polson Bridge, the league leaders were far from their best, particularly in defence.

However, their lead was extended by six points thanks to ‘the Okes’ disappointing 20-7 defeat at Keynsham. If the All Blacks pick up maximum points and Okehampton fail to earn a bonus point, they could have an 11-point lead come tomorrow night.

Okehampton’s strengths lie in their powerful pack, and in a bid to combat that, the All Blacks have made changes.

Last week’s man-of-the-match, Greg Thomas, replaces Chae Jenkins at tighthead-prop while there’s a new second-row partnership as Jordan Duke and Andy Knight both return to the starting 15 in place of Harry Lightfoot and Dan Goldsmith.

Torin Clarke moves from the second-row to play at blindside-flanker.

In the backs, Reuben Edwards has recovered from an arm injury which forced him off early last weekend.

However, with Tom Sandercock impressing in Edwards’ usual full-back position, Edwards comes on to the right-wing for Dan Pearce, who is on the bench alongside Jenkins and Goldsmith.

The Post are hoping to speak with Joint head coach, Ryan Westren, to hear his thoughts before tomorrows crucial game.

Cornish All Blacks —

Sandercock, Edwards, Westren, Crawford, Coles, Collings; Bentham, Bulut, Jenkins, Knight, J Duke, Clarke, L Duke (captain), Rowley

Replacements: Jenkins, Goldsmith, Pearce

Tribute Cornwall and Devon League leaders Bude, will look to bounce back from their disappointing 15-7 defeat at home to Torquay Athletic on Saturday, when they travel to Mount Ambrose near Redruth, to take on mid-table Lanner.

Their defeat coupled with wins for Penryn, Plymstock Albion Oaks and Honiton means that just three point separate the top four with 11 games remaining.

Although Bude are missing key men Joe Wilson and Ed Hilliam-Cooke through work, they are able to call upon Simon Jeffery, Joel Troke and Jack Horwell who were all missing last weekend.

However it means a bit of a tactical reshuffle as Jeffery replaces Matt Williams at loosehead-prop with Williams moving to the second-row.

Troke, who normally plays in the second-row, has recovered from concussion and plays at blindside-flanker with Angus Hodges switching from six to number eight.

Horwell’s return on the left-wing means fellow winger Rory Hodges can move to the opposite side with Kieran Sharp moving into his favoured position at outside-centre and Charlie Watton playing at 12.

The bench sees youngster Arron Gilroy replace Johnny Wright.

Player/coach Angus Hodges called for a better turnout at training this week. And although it hasn’t materialised he expects his side to just have the edge.

He said: “We had poor attendance for training again this week, so we’re struggling to take steps forward as a squad. But I believe we’ve got the skill in the team to beat Lanner up front, and from that the game will be won. But I’m expecting to have to work hard for the win due to the lack of training as a team.”

Despite having to do without his number eight (Wilson) and inside-centre (Cooke), Hodges believes they still have plenty.

“We’re missing Joe and Ed but we’ve got enough depth. It’s a good squad and I’m excited to see us play!”

Although their advantage has been whittled away and the fact that they have trips to Honiton and Penryn tin the final ten games, Hodges wants his side to relax.

He said: “I don’t think we’re under any pressure to be promoted or win the league, so I don’t think we’ll put any more pressure on ourselves due to league positions.

It will however make us more hungry to beat the other top teams like Penryn and Honiton when we play them!”

Bude —

Denford (captain), R Hodges, Sharp, Watton, Horwell, S Yates, Mounce; Jeffery, Bolt, Allin, Kingdon, Williams, Troke, F Fry, A Hodges

Replacements: Mead, Saxton, Gilroy

CAMELFORD make the trip to the only team below them in Tribute Cornwall Two — Redruth Albany (2.30pm).

‘The Ford’ were pleased with their performance in a 24-3 defeat to leaders Perranporth last Saturday and club captain Martyn Baker hopes for more of the same.

He said: “My feelings on last week’s game are that the team played exceptionally well and defended brilliantly against a good side we had shipped a lot of points to in past matches.

Redruth Albany is never an easy game. They are a good side and will cause us problems! The expectation is of course for a victory something we aspire to every match, but we expect a hard a match and will have to be at our best to beat them.”

Camelford’s forwards options are limited this week.

Baker said: “We are missing experienced tighthead-prop Ian Burnard so Dan Yeatman deputises at loosehead-prop, with myself moving to tighthead.

There’s also a new back-row with Ian Boundy at seven, and the centre pairing from last game Micheal Burton and Mike Willshire also in playing there.

In the backs, the return of Dan Stuckey at 10 means Luke Palmer moves to 12 in place of Mike, who’s at number eight.”

Camelford —

Buckley, Jenkins, O Plummer, Palmer, Lovell, Stuckey, Robinson; Yeatman (captain), Schofield, Baker, Evans, Belsey, Burton, Boundy, Willshire

Replacement: Luxton