Match Preview

Neil Mitchell makes subtle changes to the team that travel to Otley, tomorrow, with the inclusion of former OSH and Worcester player Matt Perks. Noah Heward, who made such a great impression for Stour, last season makes a welcome return to the squad. Noah is also at Worcester, in their Academy having made a rapid rise from schoolboy rugby at Solihull School and International duties for the England Under 17's.

Otley are currently 11th in the league but don't let that give any false senses of security. Whilst their campaign has started with relatively local fixtures they have only lost one game which was a narrow 15-8 margin away to Wharfedale. Their other two matches were both draws with 15-15 at home to Huddersfield and an exciting 34 all game away to Tynedale which included 11 tries!

The squad make an early start from Stourton Park in this 7 hour and 300 mile round trip hoping that the conditions do not meet those currently forecast on various weather Apps. This could be our last visit to the historic ground at Cross Green which has been their home for the last 150 years! The town centre site is due to become retirement flats and, no doubt, some of the management team may take particular interest in their proposals!