Match Preview

Old Gs kick off their Kent 1 campaign with a trip to Cranbrook on Saturday looking to get the season off to a positive start. The opening fixture though will provide them with a tough test against a Cranbrook side who regularly feature in the upper echelons of the league.

Old Gs will travel with confidence though having had a positive pre-season, where they have worked hard on fitness, skill levels and game plan - and will look to produce a similar performance which resulted in a victory in the Kent Vase QF last season against the same opposition.

Head Coach Andy Miller shared his thoughts of the squad progress in pre-season:

"Pre-season has gone very well. Numbers have been bolstered by the return of some players who have been further afield, a couple who have joined from other clubs and 4 or 5 guys who are totally new to rugby. Club training has been (generally) well attended and the guys have been putting in lots of hard work, both with and without the ball and away from the 2 regular club sessions. The first XV have also enjoyed 3 meaningful warm up games against Footscray, Gravesend and Charlton Park, the latter 2 of which were very combative and a big step up in terms of intensity and physicality to what we are used, to which should stand us in good stead for the on-coming season. Morale is high, and we are all looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the league and cup(s) season."

In regards to selection, Eric Roye, Matt Johnson and Brett Buckingham form the front row with Frazer Barnes and Andy Morris renewing their vows in the engine room of the scrum. Mat Coomber, Andy Kidd and new signing Phil Costley are in the back row.

Chris Bassett and Greg Humphreys are in the 9 and 10 shirts. Mike Hodge and Matt Thompson from the centres, with the back 3 formed by Jamie Potter, James Hood and Chris Johnson.

The replacements are Tom Hammerton, Joe Martin and Ryan Lockyer.

Kick off is at 3pm and all support is welcome!

Injury Update - highlighting the strength in depth that Old Gs are developing:
Prop Noel Hartley is out of action with a back injury - aiming to return towards the end of the month.
Prop Paul Mitchell is struggling with a back injury.
Forward Lewis Moss sits the game out with a knee injury and should be back available next week.
Flanker Chris Daniels is still out long term with the ankle injury sustained at the end of last season.
Flanker Steve Hurdle remains sidelined with a finger injury
Number 8 Jack Nash has a shoulder injury - but will look to come back into contention next week.
Scrum half Doug Wilson sits the game out with a niggling shouder problem.
Fly half Matt Holdstock doesnt make the fixture with a hamstring injury.
Utility back Richard Parish has a broken wrist sustained at the Footscray game
Centre Pat Foreman has short term shoulder injury sustained at Charlton Park and isnt fit for this week