Match Preview

AWAY : K.O. 2.15pm Saturday 19th +++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This first ever fixture between the two clubs has had more twists than a soap opera romance. This was always the date for the away game, but should not have been the first meeting between us. When Bowdon had to pulled out of the game at Mint Bridge in late October at short notice, after much confusion and deliberation, the RFU finally decided at the end of December that we would be awarded maximum points, Bowdon would be docked 5 points, and this weekend’s game would become the game at Mint Bridge – only for a fortnight later to change their mind, rescinded the points and this weekend game returned to being at Bowdon, whilst next weekend we will see the re-arranged game between us at Mint Bridge – confused ?

Hopefully the game itself will have less twists, assuming the two teams and referee all turn up at the same place.

Bowdon sit in 13th place, having played 17 games, one less than us and two less than some. Their wins have come away at Vale of Lune and at home to Penrith and Carlisle. They picked up a try scoring bonus point against Carlisle, and also in their losses home and away against Birkenhead Park plus a losing bonus point at Douglas. This will be their fourth home game in a row.

Possibly for the first time since we moved to the new ground, our performances at home have been better than away. We started with good wins against Carlisle and Penrith, and an against the odds win (due to injuries) at Altrincham Kersal, but since then we have had some victories where the team have been hanging on at the end (and those on the touchlines holding our breath) and a few losses. Amazingly after this weekend there will be just two more away games to play. So a good time to bring some of that home form to an away game.

TEAM : Just the one change from last weekend with Hugh Davies returning Dan Reid, who was forced off.

It has been suggested this may be the tallest set of players ever on the bench. After recent problems in the lineout, we have backups in Reece Tomlinson and Alex Ryder - with Danny Barker.

WEATHER : I had hope all the changes would have fooled the weathermen and they would have sent bad weather to Mint Bridge, and left Manchester unaffected, but it looks the other way around with heavy rain at Bowdon and better weather in Kendal.

The latest forecast is that it will be a COLD wind, so if you are coming wrap up well (and if you are on the wing bring a hot water bottle - or join the pack). It will feel like minus three at 11.00 (although it is above freezing so the ground should be fine). By kick off it will be up to four but feel like zero. The rain is now down to light and only a 50:50 chance, so not all bad news

MINT BRIDGE : The 2nd XV are home to Chester 3rd KO 2pm

SUNDAY : The Wasps make the short trip (a lot shorter for me) to play Carlisle Cougars. KO 2pm