Braves side to face Bath

By Mark Stevens

England international Tom Johnson will make his first appearance since undergoing neck surgery when he lines up for the Exeter Braves in tonight's Aviva Premiership A League clash with Bath United at Sandy Park (6:30pm).

The all-action flanker forms part of a powerful looking Braves side, who know victory over their local rivals will guarantee them a semi-final spot away to Worcester Warriors.

The Braves come into the game on the back of four successive A League victories, the most recent of which came away to Wasps last Monday night.

Also included in the home ranks tonight are the experienced Brett Sturgess, Elvis Taione, Dave Lewis, Ceri Sweeney and Fetu'u Vainikolo, as well as full-back Byron McGuigan and centre Adam Hughes both of whom have been sidelined with knocks in recent weeks.

Bath, who can also qualify for the last four with victory tonight, have also named a strong line-up that includes the much-talked about Sam Burgess in the back-row, Irish scrum-half Peter Stringer and England winger Semesa Rokoduguni.

Sandy Park Stadium will open to the public at 5:30pm, but please be advised that all tickets for the West Grandstand have now sold out. Season Ticket, 1905 and Gold Card Members will be able to occupy their normal match-day seat, whilst those who have purchased West Grandstand seats will have their details available on their ticket confirmation or match ticket.

Supporters who have yet to purchase their tickets for tonight’s game can do so from the Ticket Office, which will open at 5:30pm. Due to demand for the fixture, the East Terrace has now been opened to accommodate the additional supporters. Club officials have confirmed should the need arise, other areas of the stadium may be opened on the night.

Please be advised that there will be FREE parking at Sandy Park on a first come, first served basis. However, once the car park is full, supporters are advised to use the facility at the nearby Sowton 30 in Apple Lane. Admission prices for tonight’s game are £10 for adults and £5 for Under-16s.

Following the final whistle, musical entertainment will be on offer in the Exeter Suite until late courtesy of ‘Eat The Rich’.

BRAVES SIDE TO FACE BATH UNITED

15 Byron McGuigan
14 Jack Arnott
13 Max Bodilly
12 Adam Hughes
11 Fetu'u Vainikolo
10 Ceri Sweeney (capt)
9 Dave Lewis
1 Brett Sturgess
2 Elvis Taione
3 Alex Brown
4 Jerry Sexton
5 Ed Holmes
6 Tom Johnson
7 Sam Simmonds
8 Sam Skinner

16 Greg Bateman
17 Kieran Davies
18 Jack Stanley
19 Sireli Naqelevuki
20 Joel Conlon
21 Stuart Townsend
22 Laurence May
23 Tom Hendrickson


Bath United: 15 Richard Lane; 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Olly Woodburn, 12 Rory Jennings, 11 Darren Atkins; 10 Ollie Devoto, 9 Peter Stringer; 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Kane Palma-Newport; 4 Tom Ellis, 5 Charlie Ewels (capt); 6 Sam Burgess, 7 Guy Mercer, 8 David Sisi. Replacements: 16 Tom Woolstencroft, 17 Matt Shields, 18 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 19 Charlie Davey, 20 Max Northcote-Green, 21 Will Homer, 22 Max Clark, 23 Ed Coulson