BUDE head coach Sam Parker wants his side to show they are ‘genuine contenders’ when they welcome leaders Camborne Seconds to Bencoolen Meadow tomorrow in Counties Two Cornwall (2.30pm).

The Seasiders have played five times in the league so far this term, but while they have made their home ground a fortress, defeats at Liskeard-Looe and Helston mean they are already eight adrift.

A depleted Bude lost 34-17 at Helston last time out on October 18, although having to play with 14 for much of the afternoon following an early injury to Brad Thomas, meant it was never going to be easy.

The Seasiders were due to welcome Dorchester in the Counties Two Championship section of the RFU Men’s Community Cup the following week, however the Dorset outfit conceded.

Parker continued: “We were disappointed with Dorchester crying off, but with our injuries and our focus on promotion, it has suited us quite well and given us extra time to reset and come out stronger.

“Player welfare is extremely important to us and so many of our players put their body on the line week in, week out.”

Parker has stated his desire to see the Seasiders return to Counties One Western West at the first opportunity, but to do so will have to see a Camborne side full of players capable of playing a far higher level.

However, he hopes they can run them close.

He continued: “We are really looking forward to it, this will be our biggest test yet and we want to maintain our home game supremacy. We are working hard and preparing as much as possible, and we have had a break, allowing our injured players to recuperate and get match fit again.

“Newquay pushed Camborne in their last match and we hope that we can improve on that and show that we are genuine contenders for the league.”

Bude are back close to full strength as No.8 Fred Saxton, centre/winger Ed Hilliam-Cooke, full-back Will Pharo and front five forward Alex Robinson all return to the starting XV, while Thomas has also recovered to take his usual spot at fly-half.

Fraser Martyn is unavailable, while Anthony Kennett and Cobi Yelland drop to the bench and Blaine Wickett misses out.

BUDE: Will Pharo; Ed Hilliam-Cooke, Ben Tharme, Olly Denford, Oscar Davey, Brad Thomas, Olly Mounce; Charlie Firman, Harvey Cholwill, Hayden Chater; Will Hockridge (capt), Alex Robinson; Finley Fry, Matt Maniglia, Fred Saxton. Replacements: Anthony Kennett, Josh Rowland, Josh Brown, Cobi Yelland.