Tyne will be smarting after having lost their unbeaten record this season when they went down 25-17 to South Leicester on Saturday so it will be no easy ride for the Hinckley boys.

Last season, Hinckley won the equivalent game 22-12 with tries from Alex Salt and Steve Harvey but then lost the return game at Leicester Road 15-19 in March. That was the last game that the Black and Ambers lost at home.

This season, Tyne have proved something of a surprise package. Having finished 6th in the Division last year, with 89 points to Hinckley’s 73 in 9th place, they were again expected to be a difficult side to beat but no-one expected them to go 7 from 7 in the opening exchanges. They and Stourbridge have opened up something of a gap at the top of the table with Hinckley amongst 4 teams in a chasing pack struggling to maintain contact. A win for Hinckley would be welcomed by more than the Hinckley faithful.

Hinckley will be picking from strength. A number of key players were rested on the bench against Sheffield in readiness for the trip to Tynedale and no major injuries were picked up during the game. George Chuter and his team will be selecting from a near full strength squad.

Chuter will be looking for a much improved away performance following disappointing displays in the recent visits to Sale and Sedgley Park, and the Hinckley boys will be out to prove that they can still live with the Division’s top teams. A tight and exciting game is in prospect.

The current weather forecast is for a pleasant, if blustery autumn day, which can only add to the likelihood of an entertaining game.

Anyone wishing to travel is welcome to join the team coach. Please contact Steve Avent 07801 284604 to book a place. Departure time is yet to be announced but be warned, it will be an early start!

Nick Robinson