Match Preview

After last weeks war against Gillingham the 2’s once again find themselves as one half of a double header. This time out it’s the men in Black… and green from New Ash Green. There is nothing quite like a local derby to fire up the whole club as both teams look to redeem themselves after tough losses last week.

Captain Russell while still getting himself settled in to the rather large cardigan to fill after the departure of Kenny Price last season has found his core of players and continues to build as he looks to take his team through a winning season. While he continues his “Where’s Wally?” style hunt for the missing hookers we will look forward to this weeks game.

Ross Coleman is once again in the front row and is joined by life long Dad Stuart, Captain Russell has agreed to give it another go at hooker to complete the front row. In yet another 2nd row change up Tom Hammerton teams up with yet another partner in Steve Jarrett who is making his first outing of the season, sources close to Povey have said that he is devastated by Toms constant cheating but knows that deep down he only has eyes for one partner.

The loose forwards have changed for the first time this season with a blessing coming down from coach Andy that he needs a player to get a full 80 after being on the bench for a few 1st team games and the smash machine Ash Bourne takes over from Andy Hinde and will team up with Jordan Lynch on the flanks, Darrell Conlan is reliable as ever and takes his 8 shirt again.

Hinde, in a show of versatility from the man who was happy to play in the front row if needed last week now finds himself back at 9, a position he has drifted in and out of for his whole time at the club. The 2s will be hoping that he can give some good service to Liam Cole at 10 so he can feed a monster pair of centres. With Langley the gazelle being called up to the 1st team there was a moment of panic before Russell read the next name on his list. Will is joined this week by the returning favourite Mr T! A huge boost for the club although we know that he was quite enjoying life on the sidelines getting to watch his son play and offer his expertise to the match day officials…

The wings are made up of two new boys, Joe Wortham fresh off his Man of the Match performance last week will partner with Axl Elcome. Jamie Edwards returns after being forced to miss last weeks game due to things he couldn’t control… See Jamie I’m not always mean about you!

The bench is yet to be filled as Russ has a few tricks up his sleeve but Ricky Cottis has decided that he has had enough of watching and has let half of him come back to rugby, we still aren’t sure where the other half has gone, if anyone spots it can you let us know please.
Special mentions this week go out to Sam Snell who continues his non-playing role this week making him a poor mans Joe Fathers… Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery afterall. Also our thoughts go out to absent hooker Ryan who emerged this week briefly before his zebra phobia was discovered to also include NAGs. We wish him well in his recovery.

In some arguably positive news 2nd team stalwart Dave “Frodo” Owen has informed us of an appointment this week where he will find out if doctors have found out what has been stopping him from playing so far this season. I’m sure that Russ can’t wait to have at least one of his hookers back. Personally I just want Frodo off the sideline, it puts me on edge.

Both teams are at home and kick offs will both be 3pm with a 1pm meet time. Be sure to get down and cheer on the boys in blue! Then all meet in the bar for the 3rd half. See you Saturday.