DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds believes the return of several senior players will aid his side’s National One home chances against Bury St Edmunds tomorrow (3pm).
Willo Bicknell is back as captain in the No. 8 jersey with Army skipper Pete Austin at hooker.
Prop Ryan Lomas, with 51 caps, and fit-again wing Zach Clow – who has 50 tries in 77 appearances – also provide experience.
And the final change to the starting line-up sees former Bath man Darren Atkins at full back.
Long-serving prop Ant Marris is also set for 119th cap from the bench.
Seb explained: “I think it’s vital. With a youthful side – talented but coming into the team – you want to know they’re supported.
“With (captain) Max Hayman injured, we hope when he comes back, he’s surrounded by more leaders.
“Ben (Atkins) captained the side last week and did a decent job, Willo’s been fantastic at the start of the season.
“Darren brings experience and is a real leader for the guys and Pete’s captained the Army for years.
“It’s great to have Zach back earlier than expected and credit to him.
“He looks after himself very well and the medical team have done a great job – they’ve been busy at the start of the season!
“He’s done well to get back so soon, trained well on Tuesday and we’re looking forward to seeing him back out there.”
‘We want to make progress each week’
Bury St Edmunds sit one point and one place above Rams in 11th after five games of their first stint at Level Three.
They won at Cambridge in round two and followed up with a come-from-behind home success against Bishop’s Stortford last week.
And the DoR continued: “Going back we had a good rivalry (in the mid-to-late 2010s), and they’re a good side.
“They had a fantastic season last term, got a promotion possibly a year ahead of what they might have expected, but it’s because they were very good.
“They’ve had a reasonable start to National One as well and we know what kind of fixture it will be.”
Rams come into the contest on the back of a disappointing loss at Birmingham Moseley, and Seb called on the supporters to help his side progress.
He ended: “We want this group to make progress each week.
“There were moments in the last game where I thought we were excellent, but also some very frustrating ones.
“This is the grind the players have to go through as a group. If they can layer on the cohesion, build as a collective, it will start to come.
“We want to get out there and put on a performance for our fans, but the lads need support.
“They’re fighting so hard to do it, and hopefully it comes out tomorrow.”
With a big lunch a strong atmosphere is anticipated. To book discounted tickets before midnight (Friday), click here
