SALTASH will aim to bounce back from successive agonising defeats in Counties One Western West when they visit Torquay Athletic this afternoon (2.30pm).

The Ashes impressed for long spells in home reversals to St Ives and Paignton, but picked up just four points out of a possible 10 for their efforts.

Added into the fact a defeat at title favourites Camborne Seconds on matchday one, the Cornishmen sit ninth in the 12-team table.

They go to a Tics outfit who have started the season well, and one who if it wasn’t for their final day victory over Penryn Athletic, would have relegated Saltash.

On the team news front there are two changes, both enforced.

Lock James Sutton has a shoulder problem with summer recruit Billy Garratt going into the engine room, while No.8 Steve Hillman’s deep cut that required stitches last weekend, isn’t yet healed. His place goes to the returning Laurie Thomson who will start at seven with skipper Phil Eatwell moving to the base of the scrum.

The backs are the same which means a 150th apperance in red, black and yellow for last week’s man-of-the-match Greg Eatwell. Coming onto the bench are prop Ryan Simmons and George Howlett.

Elsewhere around the club, the seconds have been handed a walkover in Counties Three Cornwall as Falmouth Seconds are unable to raise a side, while the ladies get their league campaign underway on Sunday in Women’s NC 3 South West (West) as they visit neighbours Plymouth Albion (2pm).

SALTASH at Torquay Athletic: Ryan Cruickshanks; Henry Taylor, Andrew Walsh, Greg Eatwell, Jay Moriarty (capt); Billy Dover, Jack Pritchard; Simon Nance, Fin Jones, Liall Honey; Thomas Hoban, Billy Garratt; Charlie Knight, Laurie Thomson, Phil Eatwell (capt). Replacements: Ryan Simmons, George Howlett, Danny Snook.