Team news for the weekend - Nuns away, Saxons and Colts at home

The Nuns are back in league action this weekend after exiting the County Cup last week with defeat at the hands of Broadstreet. The Nuns used the game to rest some bodies as well as test some players who have been performing well for the Saxons. Result aside, the coaching staff were happy with a number of aspects of the play throughout the game with players putting their hands up for selection and showing promise for the future.

Last time the Nuns and Sandbach were in league action saw differing fortunes. Whilst the Nuns picked up their second bonus point win of the season ‘Bach went down to Newport who scored with the last play of the game to win 28-22. Sandbach picked up a bonus point win on the first game of the season but have since lost 5 games in a row, however they have picked up losing bonus points in 4 of those games to sit on 10 points in 11th position. The Nuns win over Syston saw them move up to 6th place on 18 points.

The Nuns will not be taking them lightly as they can be a team that challenge anyone in the league on their day, last season they completed the double over the Nuns as well as the only side to do so over league Champions Birmingham/Solihull.

The Saxons are back in action after a week off and have a derby against league leaders Hinckley. Last time out against Syston they ran out 33-20 winners which has seen them move up to 6th in the league.

The Colts are at home in a friendly against Market Bosworth. Last weekend they lost a keenly fought contest against table toppers Old Laurentians 19-17 with a last kick off the match conversion failing to draw the game.

Team news: there are two changes to the pack that defeated Syston last time out with Ryan Leake starting at tight head for Ben Holmes who switches to the bench. Leigh Thompson and Adie Hall are both unavailable and so Todd Bullions moves to number 8 with Callum Grant- Smith coming in to the back row.

Just one change in the backline with Huw Thomas and Tom Smitham switching at scrum half and bench.

Arron Skyrme comes back into the squad on the bench.

Squad to play Sandbach RFC, away 3pm:

You can sponsor a position for £150 for the season, please contact sponsorship@nuneatonrugby.co.uk for more information.

Saxons squad to play Hinckley 2s home, 3pm:

Joji Volaikisuva, Ed Taplin, Lewis Wilson, Jake Arms, Chris Smith, Arron Turner, Olly Moreton, George Wallis, Liam Moore, Ricky Hughes, Adam Stauvers, Tiernan Kelly, Simao Van Zeller, Dylan Bale, Sion Cowdy, Lewis Wrigley

Midlands Premier - Preview and Week 4

Week 6 - 6 October

Scunthorpe lost their unbeaten record to Luctonians, whilst Newport (Salop) grabbed the top spot with a home win over Sandbach. Bridgnorth edged out Derby by just 3 points. Broadstreet won a close game at Burton. Sheffield couldn’t overcome a lively Lichfield. Nuns continued their winning run beating Syston 30-11. Doncaster Phoenix lost at home to Bournville.

On the 9 October Doncaster Phoenix issued a statement. At a disciplinary hearing they had pleaded guilty to allowing a 16-year-old to train with adults and represent their club in a senior competition on 11 August in contravention of RFU Rules. Their First team have been deducted 10 points with a further 10-point penalty suspended. With this penalty Doncaster Phoenix drop to the bottom of Midlands Premier with just 1 point from 6 games.

Week 7 - 20 October

In a top of the table clash Newport (Salop) (1) go to Scunthorpe (2) and I expect the Lincolnshire side to poach a win. Bridgnorth (3) to beat Doncaster Phoenix (14) who have lost their last three games. Luctonians (4) should be good enough to win at Sheffield (8). Broadstreet (5) seem to have settled down and they will outscore Derby (10). Nuns (6) have a tricky looking match at Sandbach (11) who have failed to live up to expectations. I take the Nuns to gain the win. Bournville (9) won’t find it easy against a capable Lichfield (7). Lowly Burton (13) and Syston (12) clash and I expect the Leicestershire side to win.

Anchorman