By John Harding

TOM Varndell returns after a calf to the Bristol side for Sunday’s televised top-of-the-table clash with the GKIPA Championship's unbeaten leaders Ealing Trailfinders at Ashton Gate, kick off 3pm.

The Trailfinders have taken maximum points from the opening four matches with Bristol just a point behind have missed out on a try-scoring bonus point when they hosted league newcomers Hartpury in the season opener.

“We’re all excited about this top-of-the-table clash, and we understand the challenge that faces us,” said Bristol’s head coach Pat Lam.“The important thing is to be at the top of the table at the end of April - I’ve been in this game long enough to know that’s what counts.

“There is still a long way to go; there are another 17 games to go after this one - that’s my point. It means nothing [to be top tonight] - its where we are at April 28 next year that matters.

“But we are playing a team that is in-form, who are at the top of the table and doing really well so will have a lot of confidence. It will be a great challenge for both teams and one that I am looking for to.”

Varndell is one of five changes from the side that recorded a fourth successive victory in last weekend at Bedford. Billy Searle and Rhodri Williams form a new-look half-back partnership Ross McMillan is set for his first competitive start of the campaign at hooker following a rib injury while New Zealand international Steven Luatua recovers from a knee injury to be included in the back row.

Former Bristol second row Glen Townson will lead the Ealing side that shows two changes with Rayn Smid, another former Bristol player, returning to the back-row, with Lewis Robling making his first start of the season at inside centre.

“You can’t shy away from the fact that this will be a huge game in the context of this season,” said Townson. “The game has that special feeling to it, and these are the games you remember if you get the performance right.”

Bristol (home v Ealing Trailfinders, 3pm): Jordan Williams; Luke Morahan, Alapati Leiua, Tusi Pisi (c), Tom Varndell; Billy Searle, Rhodri Williams; Jack O’Connell, Ross McMillan, Nicky Thomas, Joe Joyce, Chris Vui, Steven Luatua, Dan Thomas, Jack Lam. Reps: Max Crumpton, Soane Tonga’uiha, Alex Giltrow, Jordan Crane, Andy Uren, Will Hurrell, Mat Protheroe.

Ealing Trailfinders: Peter Lydon; Seb Stegmann, Piers O’Conor, Lewis Robling, Miles Mantella; Aaron Penberthy, Luke Carter; Will Davis, Alun Walker, Lewis Thiede, Glen Townson (c), Barney Maddison, Rayn Smid, Andrew Durutalo, Mark Bright. Reps: Matt Cornish, James Gibbons, Mark Tampin, Harry Casson, Dan Temm, Calum Waters, Will Harries.