Match Preview

This Saturday - BACK AT MINT BRIDGE after over a month : Kick off 2.15pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The team moved into second place in the League over the Christmas break, equal on points but with a game in hand (away at Birkenhead Park) over Manchester, with the news that the RFU had awarded the Bowdon game to us with maximum points. Manchester have lost two more games than us, but have picked up five more try scoring bonus points, we are only equal fifth in that table.

As well as Bowdon being deducted five points, Broughton Park have seen a similar punishment for failing to play at Douglas (who like us get the points) and Carlisle have a double punishment for failing to play both Waterloo (who already had the points) and Glossop.

This weekend’s opponents Altrincham Kersal, who we narrowly beat 22v25 back in mid-September, sit in eighth with just two wins, but this position hides the fact they have only lost once by more than seven points (to Manchester in their last game, as their game before Christmas against Carlisle was postponed), otherwise it is eight losing bonus points and two draws. If they had converted them all into wins they could have been in second place themselves.

So not a team to take lightly (are any in this League ?)

TEAM : Just one change to the pack who did so well against Vale of Lune before Christmas with Dan Reid starting again. No Greg Wrathall, so Steven Nelson returns from his time in the centre to play No.8.

Behind the pack a few changes, but positive with Kris Bratton back (last game 23 October); Danny Barker (4th December) and Ben Dixon (20th November).

Hugh Davies (2nd October) also returns on the bench, joining Dan Lowther and Alex Ryder.

WEATHER : After a wet start the MetOffice have gone for a mix of sunny spells and light rain for the game.

SUNDAY : More first team action with the Wasps returning to League action after a few friendlies before Christmas, with a 1.30pm kick off against Driffield, followed by an under 18 County game at 3.00 with Cumbria playing Durham.