Hove host Trojans on Sunday and will be hoping to pick up a strong victory and take momentum into the Thurrock game on the 5th November. Last season, Hove picked up an impressive double over Trojans and Thurrock at home and will be looking to do that again.

Opposition - Trojans

Trojans gained promotion into Championship South last season and impressed in their debut season finishing second in the league, just two points ahead of Hove. When they visited the Recreation Ground back in January Hove came away with an impressive 10-5 victory against the side that had put 40 points on them earlier in the season. Trojans have struggled thus far this season, currently sitting in sixth place in the league, but as our "local" rivals in the Championship, they'll definitely be coming out all guns blazing.

Squad News

In the pack, Becca Moreton, Emilia Pruszkowski and Jordan Hopkins come in to replace Sam Gottardi, Becky Piddlesden and Harriet Dunn. In the backline, Katy Doughty-Curtis moves to full back as Hayley Templeman is carrying an injury. Alex Leeds replaces Molly Bradbury in the centres and Suzi Burtenshaw starts on the wing. Abi Martin and Rachel Moodie will make their club debuts off the bench.

Player to Watch

Polly Roberts has been a key part of the 1st XV for a few years now, a regular fixture at scrum half. She first played rugby at 6 years old at Burgess Hill, before moving to the South Sussex Barbarians for U13s. She's now the captain at Brighton University alongside her Hove commitments and has represented Sussex at both youth and senior level. Last season Trojans had an expansive game that Hove were able to shut down with their forwards and Hove will want Polly pulling the strings and getting some good go-foward, as well as her snipes to put pressure on the Trojans pack. It's also her birthday and so hopefully her gift will be a good win!

The Team

1. Lucy Callingham
2. Lucy Simpson
3. Karin Orford-Kemmish
4. Lizzie Reading
5. Becca Moreton
6. Emilia Pruszkowski
7. Hannah Sharman
8. Jordan Hopkins
9. Polly Roberts
10. Claire Slater (c)
11. Suzi Burtenshaw
12. Alice Turnbull
13. Alex Leeds
14. Emily Swales
15. Katy Doughty-Curtis

Replacements

16. Hannah Doughty-Curtis
17. Vicki Besley
18. Rachel Moodie
19. Abi Martin