Possible not for their supporters, but this weekend’s visitors Alnwick are probably the surprise package of this season, and currently sit in eighth place, and with the two teams above them having tricky ties this weekend, they could move to sixth with a win. We could again move out of the relegation places with a win, with Lymm also having a seemingly tricky game of their own, but a loss and a Vale win at Kirkby, could see us drop a place.
Alnwick’s position is built on good home form, with only two home losses (Blaydon and Rossendale) so far. Whilst the wins have come against those of us at the wrong end of the tale, they also have impressive away wins at Ilkley and Harrogate, plus at Wilmslow.
Whilst we were losing to a rampant Vale last weekend, Alnwick were scoring over fifty against Wilmslow. Their performance in the away game earlier in the season, was probably the best I have seen against us this season (although Vale came close last weekend).
TEAM : An all new front row with Billy Coxon coming in for Jack Lashley who moves to the bench, Robbie Collinson starts in place of Garry Holmes who went off last week, and Don Musetti and Mark Irving swap places with Dom taking a turn in the second row. In the back row Steven Nelson returns in place of Ben Dixon who moves to the bench.
Behind the pack Andrew Boardley retains the scrum half jersey with Matthew Kaye again having to start on the bench. Chris Park starts at fullback in place of Zane Butler.
WEATHER : As seems to be the norm on a Saturday for a home match, here is rain forecast for later in the game.
SORRY no early match report this weekend (or next) but things should hopefully be back to normal for another crucial game against Lymm in a fortnight