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Match Day 1 - Acklam (a)
Here we go - league rugby is back as we travel to Talbot Park to take on Acklam. Got to hit the ground running with a strong away performance.
1st XV @ Acklam 1500 kick off - meet at Vos 1230 for lifts.
Ant McQuillin, Sion Gittins, Morgan Scrace, Jonny Cotterill, Jonny Allton, Jez Hunt, Simeon Archibald, George Bambrick (Captain) Rhys Merlane, Josh Farley, Brandon Gilbert, Michael Searle, Harry Tankard, Adam Lambert, Sam Busby (v.captain) David Medjigbodo-Lawson, Owen Hayton (league debut) Lewis Chater
The group is hopeful for another successful season and during the off season we have worked on improving our squad depth. We lost a few too many games to challenge last season and will try take the league deeper this time round.
Only Ant McQuillin retains his place in the front row from last weeks victory over Consett. In comes our number one hooker, Sion Gittins who will have Morgan Scrace on his right hip. We will have to scrummage well at Acklam who are normally a heavier pack then us. As such, we go with Jonny Allton and Jonny Cotterill - two big lads who will have to get through some work in the engine room.
In the back row we only see one change as in comes Simeon Archibald who will tasked with improving our lineout. Jez Hunt moves over to the six spot alongside captain, George Bambrick. The skipper has been back to his best in recent weeks.
The inside backs are close to full strength as Rhys Merlane gets the 9 shirt and will once again parnter Josh Farley. They will be charged with pulling the strings and not over chasing the game early. Keep it simple and nail our basics early doors.
Hopefully Harry Tankard overcomes some illness to partner Michael Searle in the centres. A well balanced pairing to which the same can be said of our back three. Adam Lambert has looked in great form on the wing, matched by Brandon Gilbert who missed Saturdays win but is flying in pre season. The starting side is complete with club record try scorer Sam Busby who was untouchable at times vs Consett.
Off the bench look out for the powerful David Medjigbodo-Lawson at prop. Owen Hayton will make his league debut for Vos from the bench. Hayton has been a real catch for us as a ball playing second row. The 18 is complete with Lewis Chater who has recovered from injury to take a spot on the bench.
Should be a cracker against a team who scores tries in bunches. We will need to ensure our opponents don't gain momentum during the early exchanges.
Up the Vos !