AEI Rugby challenge up next for Manor Park boys

While the first team takes a break from league action ahead of the crunch clash with fellow relegation-threatened rivals Upton on Saturday January 27, Park will be sending an extras side to GEC Park for a Warwickshire Three encounter.
Park claimed victory in the reverse fixture back in September when tries from Christian Smith (2), Bobby Bridge, Dan Joyce and Stephen Ballard earned a 34-20 success at the Griff and Coton.
However, the last time Park visited Hillmorton Road, AEI raced to a 71-14 success – incredibly just three weeks after Park earned a 20-10 success on the same pitch.
AEI celebrated 100 years of existence in September and continue to build on the back of an ever-growing base of players.
Park captain Chris Goode, who will not be playing on Saturday, believes the second team have a tough encounter ahead of them but is confident in gaining victory.
He said: “The past few months has been tough on the club with player availability being a big issue and the first team in the grips of a relegation battle.
“So it gives me plenty of heart to see how many lads have made themselves available for this game, the majority of whom, are predominantly second team players.
“Such is the demands of Midlands 3 West South rugby, we need to be able to call upon lads from the second team to step up, but it’s also good for them to get game time. A few of the lads in question are in their first few seasons of rugby union so every minute counts.
“The home match against AEI was one of the best games of the season and was a real contest, a proper challenge for the lads. I can’t see this game being any different.
“All I ask of the boys is, the squad has been announced for a few days now, please make life easy for the captain and arrive on time with no messing about. Play hard and enjoy it lads.”
AEI Rugby play at GEC Park, Hillmorton Road, Rugby, CV22 5ED. Kick off is 2.15pm. Players meet at the G&C is 12.15pm.

Updated 19:07 - 6 Sep 2019 by Bobby Bridge