ST AUSTELL head coach Sam Parsons wants his side to get ‘stuck in’ for tomorrow’s ‘big game’ at Topsham in Regional One South West (2pm).

The Saints, who have two wins from five starts, had lost their previous three before last weekend’s comfortable 33-12 success over promoted Weston-super-Mare, and have only played once away from Tregorrick Park where they were comfortably beaten at in-form Royal Wootton Bassett.

Topsham finished as runners-up last year and were edged out in a promotion play-off, but have also taken their time to get going, albeit a convincing derby success at Sidmouth last Friday night ensures the Saints will face a real test at the Bonfire Field.

Head coach Sam Parsons has made two alterations to the starting XV, both out of choice.

Key prop Matt Boothby is available again and slots straight in at loosehead for Dan Bennett, while Camborne loanee Will Tanswell starts at scrum-half as Jake Walker moves to the wing in place of youngster Finn Bulley who will get a run-out in the seconds.

The rest of the 20-man squad is the same as they look to push back towards the top five where they finished last term.

On last Saturday’s success, Parsons said: “We were obviously delighted to get the win against a Weston side that have started the season well. We were just right on it from the start. I said in the lead up that there was a different feel to the week and a definite step up in intensity, and it was pretty evident on Saturday.

“With the conditions it was going to be a defence-minded game and one where we know we would have to keep the energy going for the duration. We had some real leaders in doing that. Cam Taylor, who was our man-of-the-match, made 21 tackles whilst Connor Wild made 19, and it really gave us the platform to build our attack.

“On top of that, AJ King and Jamie Stanlake combined really well in the centres and constantly got us front foot ball. Scoring 30-plus points and getting a try bonus-point in that wet weather shoes the accuracy and levels we can get to. It consistency that’s key for us now.”

Parsons hopes for more of the same at their hosts, who he has plenty of respect for.

He continued: “Looking ahead to tomorrow, that was the same message through the week. We are now comfortable in our systems so we have to add intensity and accuracy to everything we do.

“Topsham are an expansive side and being coached by Webby (Lewis Webb), they will all be able to play. I have known Lewis for a long time and he loves to move the ball around and I know he will demand high skill levels from his players, so for us it’s how we keep our defensive discipline like we know we can and then taking our opportunities. We are all excited to finish this first block on such a big game, and we can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Elsewhere around the club this weekend, the Sinners welcome Liskeard-Looe in a crucial clash at the bottom end of Counties Two Cornwall (2.30pm), while the ladies have been handed a walkover by their Falmouth counterparts in Women’s NC 3 South West (West).

ST AUSTELL at Topsham: Max Bullen; Jake Walker, AJ King, Jamie Stanlake, Dan Tyrrell; Neldus Kruger, Will Tanswell; Matt Boothby, Connor Wild, Charlie Nicholson; Adam Powell, Mark Vian (capt); Rory Jago, Cam Taylor, Kyle Marriott. Replacements: Dan Bennett, Scott Pearce, Hector Bright, Sam Stokes, George Tregilgas.