Match Preview

AWAY with a 3.00pm Kick Off ..........................................................................................

The last of a run of three away games. before a week off, then finally a game at Mint Bridge. With just one game in September, with two games at Mint Bridge in October, and only one in November and December, if all games go ahead, we will have played five home games to nine away before Christmas, so plenty to come at Mint Bridge in the New Year.

Looks like another tough one to call, as whilst Waterloo sit in mid-table, they are a game behind, after having to sit out their previous home game with Carlisle a fortnight ago, after one of their players tested Positive after their loss to Glossop. They returned last weekend with a similarly narrow win to us at Altrincham Kersal. Their opening game had been a big win at home to Manchester.

Like Altrincham they seem to be a team who score a lot, but can also concede, as their opposition have all picked up a try scoring bonus point, despite two of them have been beaten

TEAM : Three changes from last weekend. Still no Matt Houghton, and this week Dane Blencarn, who was playing so well when last season came to a sudden halt, gets a game in the 7 shirt. Jordan Johnson and James Gough swap places, with Jordan starting and James dropping to the bench, whilst Dan Shorrock, who did well against Altrincham Kersal, comes in for Nick Carlton on the left wing. Ross McKay and Tom Moulton retain the other two spots on the bench.

WEATHER : (revised) The MetOffice obvious listened to my earlier complaint, that it looked like Mint Bridge weather and we were away, and got the hairdriers out and have blown the very wet weather North. A 95%+ chance of heavy rain at 3.00 for the game at Mint Bridge. At Waterloo it is now a 60% chance of light rain for kick off - but it may be heavier by the final whistle.

MINT BRIDGE : If you cannot make it to Merseyside, then they will come to you, as the Seconds are back in action after a week off, with a 3.00pm kick off on Saturday against Waterloo (see forecast above - hopefully the balcony will be open).

Looks a strong team with Dan Greenwood, Alistair Thompson, Dan Lowther and Mark Carruthers, who have all played for the Firxt XV this season (and scored 5 tries between them), plus Chris Evans back in the second row.

Then on Sunday the Senior Colts take on Glossop – kick off 2.00pm (weather looks better - showers)

No senior rugby at Mint Bridge next weekend, as the First XV have no game, and the Seconds and the Wasps are away. So get down and enjoy some rugby whilst you can.