Match Preview

Well, here we are - back with a local derby against old foes OAs and with the form book, apparently favouring league newcomers, Stortford, who lie 9 points ahead of the opposition. It is, of course still relatively early days in the campaign and two more injuries at Moseley last week won't help the home cause, but after last week's great win on the road, our boys' tails will be up and they'll be raring to go! OAs themselves had a hard-fought win at home to Esher, who have been struggling this season.

OA's website describes this as "another season of consolidation" - yet goes on to refer to the difficulties in getting "so many new combinations to work effectively" quickly. Apparently a different understanding of the term consolidation to Stortford's! It does, though seem that our visitors may be coming to recognize the opportunities they have lost in the past in failing to promote to their Firsts many of their multitude of quality Youth and Colts players, with talk now of "One Club" appearing on their website. Now where have we heard that expression before?! Whatever team OAs turn out, though we know that they will come to Silver Leys in determined mood and the likelihood that they may be shorn of Sarries loan players by the latter's A XV fixture v Quins this weekend may in fact increase this motivation, by bringing in more local players.

Stortford's players will certainly not be lacking in motivation and will be looking forward to locking horns again with our old Hertfordshire rivals - a rivalry with which many of our squad have enjoyed for 20 years and more! COYB!