Pertemps
Bees will be without fly-half Jon Higgins and Fiji international flanker Akapusi
Qera for the National League One game against London Welsh at Sharmans Cross Road
on Saturday March 17 (3pm).Higgins damaged a shoulder and Qera his ribs in last Saturday's heavy defeat at Doncaster and will rest this weekend in the hope that they might be fit to play in the EDF Energy National Trophy semi-final against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday March 24.
Qera had x-rays yesterday which showed that he had no broken any of his ribs but he will still not be considered for selection against the Exiles.
Higgins and Qera join centre Tristan Davies on the injury list. Former Wales Under-21 international Davies missed the Doncaster defeat because of a hamstring injury sustained in traing last Thursday. He is also unlikely to feature against London Welsh.
Hooker Stewart Pearl, flanker Dan Tuohy and Canadian international prop Casey Dunning, three long-term casualties, are all back in training but will not be fit enough to return to action against London Welsh.
Higgins' absence means that Rod Petty, who played at scrum-half at Doncaster, is likely to switch to fly-half with either Reece Spee or Mike Baxter taking over the number nine shirt. Spee played on the wing in a rejigged back division at Doncaster.