The Nuns face a stiff test this weekend as they travel to table toppers Scunthorpe for their longest journey of the season. They got back to winning ways last weekend with a 33-15 victory over Sandbach picking up a try bonus point. That win saw them pull away from the chasing pack and also move up a position to 7th in the league. When the two sides met earlier in the season Scunthorpe won 24-17 in a tight contest and the Nuns know that they were in the match until the very end. Scunthorpe, though, aren’t top of the league without reason. They are a very efficient side and force teams into error whilst being very clinical themselves having only lost 2 games this season. They sit on 76 points and 3 points clear of Newport who they defeated last weekend 16-15.

The Saxons are back in action after a couple of weeks off due to weather an no games. They
entertain Banbury and will be looking to continue their good form since the start of the year.
The Colts are back in league action with a trip to table toppers Old Laurentians. After a couple of weeks with no club game due to District rugby and poor weather they were 41-7 winners in a friendly against Market Bosworth last week.

Team news: There is a change at tight head prop with Sam Greening picking up a suspension for his red card last weekend, Ed Taplin comes in for him and James Redman moves from the bench to start at loose head prop for Ben Holmes. Adie Hall is unavailable, and his place is taken by the returning Scott Makepeace in the second row.

Just one change in the backs as Ben Kirby is unavailable, so Jackson Hughes moves to full back and Sion Cowdy comes back in on the wing.

The bench is made up from debutants Jack Godden and Jamie Nicolson and Wills Messum who returns to fitness.

Squad to play Scunthorpe RFC, away 2:15pm:

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

Saxons v Banbury 2s, number 1pitch 2:15pm:

Phil Ryan, Olly Moreton, Ryan Evans, Tom Green, Adam Ross, Chris Smith, Ryan Makepeace, Arron Skyrme, Lewis Wilson, Tom Leeson, Liam Moore, George Wallis, Connor Franklin, Manasa Volaikisuva, Richard Johnston, Elliot Norman, Lewis Wrigley, Adam Stauvers, Ben Gilbert, Dan Pryce, Ricky Hughes

Midlands Premier Round Up

Week 19 -8/9 February.

League leaders Scunthorpe beat second placed Newport (Salop) by just 1 point. Shock of the day was high flying Bridgnorth’s defeat at Doncaster Phoenix. Broadstreet had no trouble winning at Derby (18-55). Luctonians continued their good home form in beating Sheffield. Lichfield couldn’t hold Bournville. Nuns ended a 3-match losing run with a win over Sandbach. Burton couldn’t stop Syston recording their first away win of the season.

Week 20 – 15/16 February.

Burton (11) entertain Derby (12) on Friday night in a basement battle that should go to the home side. In a season where there is no outstanding team, Scunthorpe (1) take on the Nuns (7) who on their day are capable of beating anyone. Newport (Salop) (2) go to Sheffield (6) and I expect an away win. Broadstreet (3) are unbeaten in their last 8 games and will continue their push for the top by beating Doncaster Phoenix (13). Luctonians (4) should win at Bournville (8). Having slipped down the table, Bridgnorth (5) should be good enough to beat Lichfield (10). Syston (14) hope to make it 3 wins in a row against Sandbach (9) and I think they will.

Anchorman