This week Old G’s “Super 2’s” find themselves up against a new foe in Cliffe 2’s as they try to get their season back on track after a poor result against Aylesford two weeks ago.
The old boys will be looking to show the form that got them up to 2nd in the table in the first part of the season but will be wary of a fired up and youthful Cliffe side. This week also signifies the first meeting between the two clubs and what seems to becoming another local rivalry, neither side will want to give up the bragging rights that a hard fought win would earn them. Expect this to be a physical game with some huge hits and sheer determination from both sides to claim the victory!
You could have forgiven Russ a moment of panic when Stu Coleman declared himself unfit for the game shortly followed by the news that Ross Coleman was going to be playing for the 1s this week after impressing Andy Miller in recent weeks but he was spoilt for choice this week with 2 props waiting to take their places straight away.
Making his long awaited return to 2nd team rugby is Phill “Fred” Boyer who tested himself in the Vets game last week and found that a bit of time off had dome him a world of good. Joining Fred in the from row will be Ben Randall and Matt Caverney. The engine room takes on one of it’s lesser seen forms this week with Tom Hammerton being joined by Sam Snell. On the flank Jordan Lynch is joined by former Captain Kevin Spain who, despite living in Northampton, will equal his 2’s appearances this season to his number when he was still in charge last year! Andy Hinde will be managing the scrum from the 8 shirt in the absence of Darryl Conlan.
This week Captain Russell Allen was spoilt for choice at scrum half with 3 to pick from! The winner of the debate to start is Doug Wilson with both Chris Bassett and Sam Fenton sent to the bench. Liam Cole takes up his usual spot at 10 with the huge centre partnership of Will McArthur and Steve “Mr T” Thompson outside of him. Mr T was seen to miss a tackle last week for the Vets so will undoubtably be wanting to make up for that this week… TRussel finds himself out of the wing again and is joined by Joe Wortham who has been impressive in his performances so far this year and will look to add to his try count. Charlie Wilson will sheppard the back at 15 in his return to action after a lay off through injury.
The replacements are a sign of the strength the club has been able to develop this season with the man of many names, Harry Ballantyne being joined by Chris Bassett, Kayne Lockyer, Axle Elcome and Sam Fenton!
With both teams at home a large crowd can be expected for the games and the chance of two home wins would fill the bar with merriment. Make sure you get yourself down and with plenty of beer tokens!
Meet time 11:20, kick off 2pm.