Training has been very intense this week with nearly 40 players attending Tuesday and Thursday. The 2nd XV are playing away at London Irish and the Ist XV are playing at Bedford Athletic away. I haven't been back to Putnoe Wood for a few years so it will be good to see some old faces.

There is one change in the front row this week with Basra starting at Hooker. His ability to also cover prop allows us to pick Joyce on the bench. Basra has been pushing for a while and now he can train twice a week he gets his chance in the 1st XV. Josh Hewitt is injured this week and Bash Mohabir is away. JP was also considered but bearing our league position (it would take a minor miracle to finish in the top 2) we have decided to go with youth over experience.

The 2nd row remains the same with Keens still out injured. The back row is also the same as last week and Elston comes onto the bench after recovering from concussion protocol. Moss Goodwin drops down to the 2nd XV after a couple of good performances off the bench. Elston's ability to cover more positions gives him the nod this week.

The backs starting line up and also the bench is the same as last week. Allen is still out injured and Smart is playing in the 2nd XV after having a week off last week.

Next week is a week off for the 1st XV and the 2nd XV are playing in the semi-final of the county cup at Fullerians, which is a ‪1.45 pm‬ kick off so, if you are about, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Hopefully see some of you on Saturday.

Baz

1st XV to play Bedford Athletic this Saturday 16th February, kick off 2.30pm.

15 Harry Barker
14 Vince Young
13 Kyle Lemon
12 Richard Streets
11 Jack Mitchell
10 Ben Lloyd
9 Michael Sargent
1 Tim Matthews
2 Christy Basra
3 Geoff Hughes
4 James Kinsley
5 Red Newberry
6 Dave Archer
7 Josh Corcoran (c)
8 Torran MacDougall

16 Chris Joyce
17 Jack Elston
18 Mike Rugeley