The Nuns start 2018 with a run of four home games in January as they look to continue their improved form which has seen them pick up 3 wins in the last 4 games. The start of that run sees Longton visit Liberty Way this Saturday and the Nuns will be looking to strike back having been defeated 36-27 back in September. Longton have won 4 and lost 8 so far this season but have had their last two postponed due to the weather and so haven’t played since December 2nd when they defeated Lichfield 22-19. They currently lie in 12th with 22 points.
The Nuns defeated Lichfield 19-14 last time out which saw them move to 8th in the league with 37 points. It was a controlled performance in poor conditions and so the team will be looking to pick up where they left off.
The Saxons are back in action too this weekend having had a break in games since the start of December. They make the long trip to Luctonians. They currently lie one place and 4 points better off than Luc’s in the league with 28 points from 10 games (6 wins and 4 defeats).
Team news: In the forwards, there is just one change with Danny Southall ruled out with a broken hand, picked up over Christmas, with Todd Bullions coming in on the flank.
In the back line, Tom Smitham moves from wing to scrum half with Richard Johnston taking his place. Harry Garforth departs for New Zealand on Saturday and so Ben Kirby takes his place at full back.
On the bench are Ryan Leake, Tom Aherne and Huw Thomas.
Squad to play Longton RFC, Number 1 pitch 2.15pm:
Nuneaton | Position | Position Sponsor |
Ben Holmes | 1 | Mark Gardner |
Callum Grant-Smith | 2 | Brent Masser |
Jon Pateman | 3 | Ian Holt |
Matt Gibbs | 4 | |
Scott Makepeace | 5 | |
Rudi Reid | 6 | Mark Mitchell |
Todd Bullions | 7 | Allan Taylor |
Apo Satala | 8 | Paul Griffiths |
Tom Smitham | 9 | Paul Mitchell Home Improvements |
Rory Vowles | 10 | Alibone/Carter |
Richard Johnston | 11 | Andy Marshall, InControl Gas Services |
Tim Douglas | 12 | Craig Dutton |
Elliott Brown | 13 | Andy Baber |
Jackson Hughes | 14 | |
Ben Kirby | 15 | Adam Jones |
Ryan Leake | 16 | |
Tom Aherne | 17 | |
Huw Thomas | 18 |
You can sponsor a position for £150 for the season, please contact sponsorship@nuneatonrugby.co.uk for more information.
Saxons V Luctonians away:
Ed Taplin, Joji Volaikisuva, Josh Greatrix, Sam Greening, Chris Smith, Luke Braddow, Oli Moreton, Arron Skyrme, Lewis Wilson, Tom Leeson, Matt Guilfoyle, Marcus Holt, Ryan Southall, Moses Liwaliwa, Aiden Rose, Lewis Wrigley, Connor Franklin, Harris Carter, Jack Grubb, Lewis Collins
Midlands Premier – Round Up
Week 14 - 16th December
Four games survived the wintry weather, with the leaders Birmingham & Solihull without a game for the second week. Nevertheless, they stay top although Peterborough Lions closed to within 7 points with a win over Derby. Doncaster Phoenix put 103 points on Old Halesonians. Scunthorpe won at Newbold and the Nuns got the better of Lichfield.
Week 15 - 6th January 2018
Birmingham & Solihull remain unbeaten and will remain so after the visit of Bridgnorth (9). Game of the day is Peterborough Lions (2) v Doncaster Phoenix (4). Lions to win. Newport (Salop) (3) have won their last 3 games and should beat Newbold (13). Derby (5) have a tough looking game at Sandbach (6) and I fancy the home team to come out on top. Scunthorpe (7) - at home - should beat Bournville (10). Longton (12) have had some heavy away defeats and the Nuns (8) will start favourites. Lichfield (11) must be looking forward to their visit to Old Halesonians (14) who on average concede 65 points per game
Anchorman – Happy New Year
Week 15 Fixtures
Birmingham/Solihull V Bridgnorth
Newport V Newbold
Nuneaton V Longton
Old Halesonians V Lichfield
Peterborough Lions V Doncaster Phoenix
Sandbach V Derby
Scunthorpe V Bournville