DINGS make sweeping changes to their match day squad for their first-ever visit to Molesey Road to face Esher. Wing Ian Clark – a try-scorer last week – loose-head prop Ray Chase and flankers Michele Canulli and Alex Bilton, all picked up injuries during the 33-10 home defeat to Clifton and have therefore been ruled out for selection.

Elsewhere, Steve Plummer returns to the starting line-up at scrum-half, while the experienced Luke Arscott switches from full-back to fly-half. Brad Doggett comes in for Clark on the wing and Jordan Grattan is named at full-back. Prop Liam Appleton and hooker Joe Hawkesby, who impressed from the bench against the lavender & blacks last week are named in the starting line-up, while the versatile Tom Anderson switches from hooker to openside flanker. Anton Welling returns to the back-row after missing the Clifton game due to holiday. Prop Duncan Ferguson is listed among the replacements, and set to make his league debut for the royal blue & blacks.

Dings’ director of rugby Stean Williams said:“A few of the lads picked up injuries last week against Clifton, and unfortunately injuries are part and parcel of the game. Also, we’ve sat down and looked at the tape and decided to make a couple of alterations to our set-up to try and combat what looks like a very strong Esher attack.

“We’re the same as any squad in the division, in that we have players who have strengths and weaknesses, that might be the right fit depending on who the opposition is – it’s horses for course, and we’ve picked what we believe is the right team for this particular fixture. Esher, who were playing in the division above last season, had a big win away from home last week against Barnes (34-61), and are playing their first home game of the season against us on Saturday, so we’re expecting a very tough game.”

Esher Rugby vs Dings Crusaders
Saturday, September 21
Molesey Road
KT12 3PF
15:00 kick-off

Dings Crusaders: 15 Jordan Grattan; 14 Tom Hargan, 13 Matt Smith, 12 Marcus Brooker, 11 Brad Doggett, 10 Luke Arscott, 9 Steve Plummer; 1 Liam Appleton, 2 Joe Hawkesby, 3 Josh Lloyd, 4 Olly Bilton, 5 Gavin Curry, 6 Anton Welling, 7 Tom Anderson, 8 Jake Holcombe.

Replacements: 16 Duncan Ferguson, 17 Ryan Brown, 18 James Allen, 19 Tom Knight, 20 Ollie Millner.