Lowestoft & Yarmouth will have to wait for an opportunity to try and kick-start their campaign, after their scheduled cup match was cancelled.

https://twitter.com/TMRugbyCoach/status/786845070016258048

The club were forced into a change of coaching structure after deciding to part ways with head coach Rob Cunningham and director of rugby Ker Tyler just two matches into the season.

The experienced duo had been brought into L&Y during the summer but a 22-13 opening-day home win over Ely was followed by a 68-0 derby thrashing at Southwold the following week.

Further heavy defeats followed in London 3NE, 88-0 at home to Wanstead and 85-0 at Upminster, before a new coaching team was confirmed ahead of last Saturday's 54-7 home loss to East London.

They were due to have the chance to avenge their heavy defeat at Upminster tomorrow when the sides met again, at Gunton Park this time, in the first round of the London & SE Senior Vase but their opponents forfeited the game due to a lack of front-row cover and replacements.

Confirming the coaching changes, a statement was issued announcing that three former first XV captains will be helping, which said: 'Former assistant coach Tim Marshall will add to his vital community coaching role amongst local schools and colleges by taking over at the head of the tree. Tim will be starting his RFU level three in the near future and provides the consistency and enthusiasm needed to plan and coordinate the path back to winning ways.

'Helping out in assistant roles will be former senior head coach and recent colts and under-16 coach, Steve Durrant, who specialises in forward and set-piece play, being an ex-county second row, but has wide experience throughout all aspects of the game.

'Welcomed back to the club is former first XV captain and Eastern Counties prop, Wayne Nixon, who will bring his vast experience, skill and coaching acumen to specialise in the scrummage, breakdown and defence.

'Further help will also come from Matt Jary, another former first XV captain and coach, who will be looking to assist with skills and back play.'

• Southwold are also due to be in action in the London & SE Senior Vase first round tomorrow, making the trip to London 3NE rivals East London, while Thetford travel to Hendon in the first round of the Junior Vase.