This Saturday the London Welsh 1st XV face their second top of the table clash of the season when they visit Old Merchant Taylors'. London Welsh lead London 3 North West with a three point gap advantage over OMT and Old Streetonians are a further three points behind after slipping to a 24-20 defeat at Tabard in the last round of matches.

Old Merchant Taylors' finished last season in 9th place, their nine wins boosted by 15 bonus points. With six wins already under their belts this season they are on track for a far more successful campaign and to challenge for one of the two promotion places. Their two defeats were against Streetonians (36-12) and Finchley (31-46) but on the way they have chalked up wins against Tabard, Harrow, Royston, Stevenage, Cheshunt and Verulamians, scoring an average of almost 30 points per game.

Our two teams last met in the 2012/13 season when OMT, on their way to promotion as runners-up of Herts/Middx 1, proved the stronger team in both fixtures. A 46-3 win at ODP was followed by a 43-14 scoreline at their ground.

Old Merchant Taylors' have promised a warm welcome at the War Memorial Sports Ground. A snack bar menu, along with tea/coffee etc will be available and plenty of beer will be on tap! The Wales v Tonga match is being recorded to be shown in their bar straight after the game.

The London Welsh Supporters Club are running a coach to this match. Departure time from ODP is 11.30am. Book your place at http://www.londonwelshsupportersclub.co.uk/Away.php

Kick off 2.30pm.

War Memorial Sports Ground
Old Merchant Taylors' School
Sandy Lodge Lane
Northwood
Middlesex
HA6 2HT

DIRECTIONS

By train: Moor Park Station – Metropolitan Line. Check http://www.tfl.gov.uk for weekend closures

From Rickmansworth (any route from M3, M4, M40 & M25)
Leave M25 at Junction 18; follow A404 to Rickmansworth and Northwood.

After 3.1 miles, having reached the top of Batchworth Hill, take the first left at the Ye Olde Greene Manne pub into Batchworth Lane.

Continue down the hill crossing the over the Metropolitan Railway, to A4125. Turn left towards Watford, after 0.5 miles, turn left at Sandy Lodge Petrol Station (Esso) on to Sandy Lodge Lane. Merchant Taylors’ School is 0.25 miles on right. Having entered the School grounds, follow the signs for OMT War Memorial Club House (bear right).

From Watford (any route from M1, London, the north, St. Alban's, Bushey, Hertfordshire)
Leave M1 at junction 5. Turn left at roundabout towards Watford following the A4008 for 1.5 miles.
After passing under the railway viaduct, take the first exit at the roundabout towards Bushey following A411.

After 0.5 miles turn left onto Lower High Street and then take the third exit at the roundabout under the railway arches on to A4125.

Follow this for 1.8 miles and then after a left hand bend, turn right onto Sandy Lodge Lane by the Esso Petrol Station. Merchant Taylors’ School is 0.25 miles on right. If you follow signs for the NATO Base at Northwood and just turn right at the Esso station, you will find your way easily. Having entered the School grounds, follow the signs for OMT War Memorial Club House (bear right).

From West London (via A40)
From A40 take A4180 to Ruislip at Polish War Memorial.

Follow signs to Northwood Headquarters (approx. 5.5 miles).

Turn right at T-junction, A404, then, after 0.3 miles, third left (Green Lane, Northwood), B469, through shops to mini-roundabout.

Turn left on to A4125 to Watford, past Northwood NATO Headquarters, for 1.7 miles, turn left at the Esso Petrol Station on Sandy Lodge Lane. Merchant Taylors’ School is 0.25 miles on right. Having entered the School grounds, follow the signs for OMT War Memorial Club House (bear right).