RUGBY UNION: The domestic season is put on hold in the rugby world this week, and for the Ipswich YM that signals a trip south into the Garden of England for another Powergen Junior Vase fixture.

RUGBY UNION

The domestic season is put on hold in the rugby world this week, and for the Ipswich YM that signals a trip south into the Garden of England for another Powergen Junior Vase fixture.

The Eastern Counties Two North leaders have been drawn against Sheppey who are sixth in the Kent One League with a record of two wins, a draw and three losses.

While it looks like it could be a mouth-watering and possibly lucrative encounter, this could turn out to be a crucial match in terms of the Rushmere based side's league aspirations too.

An incredibly long injury list already means that YM coach Noel Holloway has had to look beyond his regular first team squad and any more additions could seriously damage the high fliers of EC2N.

It's not all bad news on the personnel front however as Lee Elliston returns from a knee injury, last seasons captain Justin Williams is available again and Ian Girling rejoins the squad.

The YM pack has been shuffled around for this game with Barrie Alford replacing Matt Donaldson at number 8 and Williams inclusion at lock moving Paul Marsden onto the bench.

Prop Marcus Woolf retains his place after last week, enabling Simon Cordle another weeks recuperation, although he will be on the bench. Leon Charnley and Stafford Taylor provide further forwards cover.

The backs look solid enough and there are several permutations regarding positions to be arranged on the day.