THORNBURY take a step into the unknown this weekend determined to defend their undefeated home record in the Tribute South West One West league this season.

However, head coach Rob Higgitt faces headaches in the back division with injuries leaving him trying to shuffle his men as they step into the unknown against promoted Newent.

And it is a big game for the Thorns after defeat to Bridgwater on Saturday. They are neck and neck with Newent and Weston-super-Mare – all on 29 points – as they chase Bridgwater and runaway league leaders Camborne.

However, player-coach Higgitt is beaming about the effectiveness of the pack under new coaches Wayne Thompson and Olly Kohn.

Higgitt said: “We are missing about eight or nine guys but some of them will be back in a couple of weeks. Our forwards are pretty steady but, behind, we are probably three or four weeks away from having a fully fit backline available.”

He said: “This is where we do struggle which is behind the pack and we have had to change the (number) nine and ten every week. We do not have strength in depth and, at this junior level.

“Some weekends, you struggle to get a team out. We have not lost a game at home this season but we are down to the bare bones among the backs now.”

And with a massive clash at Weston only a matter of weeks away on December 12, the return of Thornbury’s missing backs will not come too soon for the coaching staff.

Among those on the injury list are Tom Luke, who has been running in some excellent tries during the course of the season, and dynamic centre Dai Matthews, likewise a regular across the opposition’s whitewash.

Centre Rich Bennett and full-back Sam Higgins are another couple of key components missing at the moment.

But, despite the headaches, Higgitt is keen that Thornbury do not slip up this weekend. The head coach added: “We don’t know much about them but the thing about this league is that they are all good sides and it comes down to who plays better on the day.”

But the pack, lead by big back row Liam Pemberton, who has crossed the tryline in the last two matches, in fine health.

“Wayne and Olly have had a massive impact, particularly on the line-out. We have five or six good front rows who have all been training well and who we have been rotating.”

With Weston tackling mid-table Wells on Saturday, whom Thornbury face the following week, it is crucial they win and continue their home domination to stay in contention within the top three of the league.