Birmingham & Solihull make the trip up the M6 this Saturday (10th February, KO 2.15pm) for their rescheduled Round 13 League fixture against Sandbach that was originally postponed by snow in December.

Saturday’s game is the first of three away fixtures “on the bounce” as the club uses the two reserve fixture dates in February to claw back two of their three games in hand over second placed Peterborough Lions.

Although last weekend’s ‘mudfest’ win against Longton didn’t yield a winning bonus point, the Lions also failed to score four tries in their defeat of third-placed Newport Salop. That means that the Bees maintain a three-point lead over their nearest rivals in what has now effectively become a two-horse title race.

Sandbach currently sit in sixth place in the Midlands Premier division with 11 wins from 17 outings to date, also picking up 4 losing bonus points in their six defeats. One of those defeats was a 19-23 home loss last week to Newbold on Avon – something that can only further strengthen the Cheshire side’s resolve when Saturday comes.

The Bees came out on top on both occasions when the two sides met last season. The 22-39 victory at Bradwall Road in December was much more comfortable than the 20-18 win at Portway when, with the game seemingly done and dusted, the visitors made a spirited come back in the last 10 minutes to very nearly make April fools out of their hosts.

Turning to tomorrow’s game, there is a new look backrow for the Sandbach game, with Chris Thompson and Sam Allen starting at blind and openside respectively, combining with Umraan Jadwat at No.8. The returning Andy Weaver partners Keenan Cooper in the second row, whilst Joe Foreman, Zane Raimondi and Kurtis Payne are familiar members of the “ABC” club.

In the one change to the back line from last week, Jevon Hinds comes on to the right wing in place of Steve Johns. Meanwhile on the bench, George Radburn and Reece Donaldson come in alongside Ben Phillips.

Bees squad v Sandbach (A, 2.15pm KO): - 1. Joe Foreman, 2. Zane Raimondi, 3. Kurtis Payne, 4. Keanan Cooper, 5. Andy Weaver, 6. Chris Thompson, 7. Sam Allen, 8, Umraan Jadwat, 9. Jack Jolly ©, 10. Max Rodman, 11. Tawanda Chipadza, 12. Nathan Tilsley, 13. Jimmy Oliver, 14. Jevon Hinds, 15. Harry O’Brien, 16. George Radburn, 17. Reece Donaldson & 18. Ben Phillips.

Referee: - Peter Caunt

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