Lavery hails A's trip to Moseley as the '˜game of the day'

The A’s head to Birmingham for a third versus fourth clash, with the visitors one point ahead of their hosts as Lavery said: “It’s game of the day in National One.

“Who’d have thought, five years ago, a league game like this would be on for us, let alone us one point ahead of them.

“They score, on average, 40-plus points per game at home, they’re unbeaten, they’re confident; if you look at their form they’ve every right to be confident and start as clear favourites.”

That said, Ampthill won 26-8 when the sides met at Dillingham Park at the beginning of October, and Lavery is happy with his team’s form going into Saturday’s game.

He continued: “I think we needed to play last week. We were good; our defence was excellent, as they were up at Darlington Mowden Park the week before – and we’re good on the road. Something’s got to give hasn’t it.”

Ampthill’s openside flanker Joe Bercis makes a return to the club that he played for last season, having been signed from the A’s in 2015 – Lavery resigned the wing forward 12 months later and he’s been a constant in the Ampthill starting XV ever since.

“He (Bercis) was our man of the match last week. It’s a big game for Joe. He had a fantastic year up there last season, he learned a great deal. He enjoyed his time with them they’re a great club to play for.”

Ampthill start with Brett Sturgess, Aleki Lutui and Matt Collins in the front row, Paino Hehea replaces Ben Gulliver in the second row and plays alongside Josh Walker; Matt Burke starts on the opposite flank to Bercis and Maama Molitika continues at number eight.

Gav Williams rotates in at scrum half, partnered by Joe Tarrant (fly half) making his 100th first team appearance; Will Goodge (inside) and Sam Hanks (outside) start at centre with wingers Jonny Morgan (right) and Sam Baker (left) in front of Stef Jones.

Lavey added: “There’s some experience there in the pack and across that back line and there’s got to be. Moseley have a good set piece, a reasonable pack, they like a direct approach, as do we, we’ve similar styles; this will be a good contest.”

Kick-off is at 3pm