We have made a few changes this week. In the front row Joe McMillan moves from hooker to loose head prop, James Mitchell retains his place at tight head. This week we welcome back Rhys Hartley at hooker. Rhys made a fabulous start to preseason with an excellent performance at the Gravesend festival but also picked up a knee injury that has kept him out of contention for two months. Rhys is a really experienced and well-travelled player and crucially as a hooker, he's an excellent communicator on the pitch.

After a powerhouse performance for the Ravens last weekend, it's a reassuring sight to see Eli Castle at second row. Eli has struggled with availability so far this season, but when he's back, he's back 110% and always makes his presence felt on the pitch. With Liam Pickett missing through injury we need leaders and experience on the pitch and Eli will definitely provide that.

We have a different centre partnership this weekend. George Liversidge returns to the side at outside centre and Joe Flexman will make his first 1st XV start of the season at inside centre. Joe has plenty of experience playing at 12 - in fact Joe was an established 12/13 before he made the switch to the back row a few years ago. With just three replacements permitted at this level (an inadequate number in my opinion!), players like Joe that can cover a range of positions are extremely valuable.

To complete the modifications to this weeks starting side Shelford Meads will move across to the wing to join the ever-present Will Brown (full back) and James Crozier (wing). The rotation of replacements is a crucial element of our game-plan and this week we have Simon Gray, Rob Pickard and David Brennan as our options. Significant planning goes into the selection of the bench and the ability to provide flexibility is crucial. All three of our bench can provide cover in at least two different positions, for example, having David Brennan on the bench means that we can cover centres and wing positions. Rob Pickard has been really unfortunate this season having picked up a couple of irritating injuries, but he is raring to go and one of those players who you can always rely upon to put in a great shift for the team - it is great to see him back in the squad.

The Ravens are back on the road with a trip to Old Albanians in Harpenden. Old Albanians 1st XV play in National League 1, the third tier of English rugby union, so they will provide an extremely tough test. The Ravens are flying high after a home win against Westcombe Park and they'll be looking for another solid performance against OA's who sit in the middle of Zoo Division Two having recently secured home wins against London Irish Wild Geese, Westcombe Park and Tring. It is interesting to see that they have an excellent home record but haven't picked up a single point on their travels. In fact it does appear that every side in Zoo Division Two seems to struggle to pick up points away from home - probably due to availability issues.

We have five senior teams taking to the field this weekend and 3 of them at home (1st XV, Cavaliers and Roundheads) so there's plenty of rugby to watch at Mill Road and don't forget Halloween fancy dress... We know how rugby players love to dress up...