Following their first pre-season outing down in Bournemouth last Saturday, the Bees welcome Earlsdon RFC to Portway this Saturday (11th August KO 2.15pm) for the second of four warm up games ahead of season start in September.

Last weekend, the squad had a very successful trip to the south coast, where a total of 33 players played 3 x 30 minute quarters, running out 26-31 winners against a strong Bournemouth RFC outfit.

Last week’s hosts lost in the South Premier League play off final against Guernsey last season, so they provided a real tough physical test which, according to Head of Rugby Pete Glackin, the squad passed with flying colours.

“It was a really good test for the opening pre-season game - the squad travelled south to get a taste of some of the journeys that lie ahead of us in National League 2 South in the coming season. We played some great rugby, scoring a total of 5 excellent tries.”

He added, “It was pleasing to see the squad perform so well after an extremely tough 7-week pre-season block; we have laid the foundations for a tough period in August and we have to continually develop certain aspects of our play. However, the desire and attitude from the entire squad was fantastic.”

New players who played last week included Alex Willis, Will Goodman, Alex Smith, Ollie Walker, Dan Kelly, Adam Nunney and George Bvuma. "Old players" included, it is rumoured, a certain Stewart Pearl.

Try scorers in the 26-31 victory were Chris Thompson (2), Matt Dight, Umraan Jadwat and Alex Willis, with Jack Jolly kicking the points.

This week’s opposition – Coventry side Earlsdon – finished fourth in Midlands 2 West (South) last season.

Entry to the game this coming Saturday v Earlsdon is free.