Vince Murrell gives Kingswood a big boost

Kingswood's bid to secure promotion from Gloucester Two has received a massive boost with the return of old boy Vince Murrell after successful spells with Dings Crusaders and Clifton.

The powerful No 8, pictured above, is set to go straight into the side for tomorrow's rearranged league clash with Cheltenham Saracens.

And his recruitment, along with the arrival of Dave Tomlin from Dings and Aaron Orentas from Barton Hill – also set to feature for the first time tomorrow – has lifted spirits after losing Steve Ridgway and Paul Allen to serious injuries.

Chairman Rich Caines said: "We are delighted that a player of Vince's ability has decided to bring his experience and knowledge back home to Kingswood.

"This is a pivotal season for us and we welcome his contribution."

Club captain Neil Ward added: "Signing Vince just goes to show how our club is growing. Vince is fitting in very well and is always on hand to lend advice on and off the pitch."

High-flying Thornbury make six changes for their home Western Counties North replay against Southmead which was abandoned two weeks ago when referee Andy Weymouth suffered a calf injury.

The try-scoring Hussey brothers are not available so Sam Olde moves from full-back to wing with Liam Rinn taking over at the back.

Ollie Fleming steps in for Dai Matthews, while Jon Day switches from prop to back row with Adam Hodgkins named at tight-head and Tom Guzman, normally a blindside flank forward, moving to openside.

The last remaining first-round game in the Charles Saunders Combination Vase takes place tomorrow with Old Colstonians home to Aretians. The winners will entertain Gordano in the quarter-finals.

Brothers Sam and George Osborne, meanwhile, link up at half-back for Yatton, who are home to Hornets on Sunday (2pm) in the Somerset Blackthorn Cup.

● Dates have been confirmed for two Charles Saunders Combination Cup quarter-finals.

Keynsham host Dings Crusaders on Tuesday, December 15 (7.30pm), while Hornets will entertain Avonmouth on Saturday, January 2 (2.30pm).