The former Oakham School student and Berkshire Under 20s man unfortunately missed all last season with a knee injury, but he has caught the eye repeatedly both before – most notably with a spectacular hat-trick for the county in their Jason Leonard Championship Division Two final back in 2022 – and after, and is now given his shot in a youthful back three.

One of Matthews’ Berkshire teammates from two campaigns ago and fresh from a first start of his own at Sale, ex-Mini George Makepeace-Cubitt retains his place at full-back, with Charlie Robson, who also put in a strong showing at Heywood Road, on the left wing.

The experienced midfield duo of vice-captain Andrew Humberstone and Ellis Jones remain in situ, while Ed Hoadley comes back in at scrum-half after a fine display for the Titans, joined by Fraser Honey at stand-off as they look to get the three-quarters purring.

Props Ant Marris and James Baker, who gained significant dominance after coming off the bench at Sale, are restored to the starting line-up, leading try-scorer Max Hayman – who double at Sale took his tally to 12 for the season – sandwiching the duo at hooker.

Colin Thomson comes back into the engine room where he is joined by Connor Stapley, while an unchanged back row is made up of Mike Hoyt, Ben Atkins and captain Robbie Stapley.

The powerful figure of Niall Kidd leads the replacements, fellow prop Paul Englezos ready to add his strength and energy when required.

James McRae – who showed his versatility when stepping into the second row at Sale last time out – completes the forwards replacements, while former Oratory School scrum-half Ollie Monye will be looking to make an impact once again.

Finishing the squad is Stevie Bryant – the Maiden Erlegh teacher set for a 204th first-team appearance having scored against both Darlington Mowden Park a fortnight ago, and for the Titans in their success at home to Esher Cardinals last weekend.

Rams Team v Cinderford

(15-9, 1-8) Makepeace-Cubitt, Matthews, Jones, Humberstone (vc), Robson, Honey, Hoadley; Marris, Hayman, Baker, C Stapley, Thomson, Hoyt, Atkins, R Stapley ©

Replacements: Kidd, Englezos, McRae, Monye, Braynt

Travelling Reserve: Cole

To book tickets (£15, £17.50 on the day) and parking for what should be another cracking game, click here