Match Preview

Acklam arrive at Sutherland Park on Saturday one league position ahead of us with a two point gap. A win for Novos would likely see us jump into 5th place at their expense. However, it will not be an easy task as a rearranged fixture on a free Saturday can often become a bit of a lottery.

We have a great squad out despite it scheduled to be a free Saturday although we have some changes to our normal 18. With injuries and unavailability to front rowers Johnny McSorley and Morgan Scrace we will see a new combination. Tom Dias moves across to loosehead as Sion Gittins comes back into the squad after resting last week. Tom Taylor slides over to the tighthead this week with two youngest waiting on the bench. In an effort to keep energy high at scrum time we have opted for Ben Rodgers and Rhys Gibbons to make it five front rowers in the squad.

Last weeks second team man of the match Charlie Muse wins selection in the second row to partner big Jonny Allton. Muse will be challenged to win his share of the lineout ball whilst Allton will want to continue to show his physicality around the field.

The back row remains unchanged with captain George Bambrick in a rich vein of try scoring. Usually, the foil for Dylan Gittins and Louis Matthews ability to break the line, it has been Bambrick who has been dotting the ball down this season.

Novos once again put out an exciting and balanced back line with Ollie Towe coming in at nine. Towe will keep our energy high and snipe around the breakdown keeping defenders honest whilst suppling our talisman - Lewis Chater with quality ball. Chater has been at his mercurial best in recent weeks with tires and assists.

We look forward to seeing Michael Searle and Eoghan Phillips build on the centre partnership. Phillips has recently returned from London and scored on his reintroduction to the group last week. The pair have the potential to stop Acklam's attacks with great defence and the ability to launch our own attacks.

The back three are perhaps considered our most experienced three quarters as Sam Bird returns after missing last week due to work commitments. Brandon Gilbert continues on the wing with Sam Busby finishing off the trio - Busby has been smashing out the assists this season as well as continuing his try scoring records for the club.

Matthew Russell makes up the eighteen - covering 10 as an emergency but will more likely be used in the back three.

Should be a cracker so get down for the 1400 kick off.

Up the Vos !