Match Preview

No changes to last week's squad that beat Otley but the starting XV sees Mitch make some amendments to give Alex Maxwell and Matt Perks the nod and opportunities to impress the home supporters.

This week, we entertain long time rivals Sedgley Park who have a similar record to our own but are in 4th position by virtue of fewer bonus points. Last week, they lost at home to Tynedale but have been victors in their other, and relatively local, fixtures against Preston Grasshoppers (20-30), Wharfedale (17-14) and Huddersfield (10-27).

Steve Hazzelby, DoR for "Sedge" comments on last week's game include "Conditions on the day were poor with a rain soaked pitch making open rugby difficult. The first 30 minutes saw each team test their defences and it wasn’t until the 34th minute that Tynedale took the lead with a chip over from their backs who regathered and scored near the posts. Half time 0-7 down. The second half started well for the tigers where we continued to create chances but were unable to finish them off. Tynedale further extended their lead after 50 minutes with another well placed kick which saw them score in the corner 0-12 up. We did hit back with a beautiful created try for winger Jamie Harrison converted by Steve Collins to bring us back in the game but the day belonged to Tynedale with a 12-7 win. A very frustrating day for the players in a game which we could have won but mistakes on the day cost us dearly. We did pick up a losing bonus point but we knew that we should have performed a lot better.

This Saturday we are away to Stourbridge. They are third in the league and we are two points behind in fourth. We need to pick ourselves up train well this week and put in a top performance to come away with the points. I hope that we have good support on the day from our travelling supporters for what should be a great game of Rugby."

This is a must win game, particularly with top spot Caldy hosting Luctonians and 3rd placed Fylde travelling to Tynedale and there are just 4 points separating the top four clubs!

The boys in blue need to concentrate on reducing their penalty count and increasing set piece possession in the line outs if they are to capitalise on their many other strengths and push for promotion this season.