Top plays bottom this weekend as the Bees travel to Old Halesonians (Saturday 25th November, KO 2.15pm) to play a side which has yet to register a win in their first 10 Midlands Premier League starts this season.

The contrast in fortunes between the two sides so far in this season couldn’t be more stark. Before last weekend’s reserve fixture break, the Bees completed their ten-successive league win – an impressive 11-56 victory away at Nuneaton to keep them atop of the league on 48 points, 8 points ahead of nearest rivals Peterborough Lions.

For Old Halesonians, they have had to endure what can only be described as a wretched autumn in which they have managed to notch up just three bonus points – two losing and one try bonus – conceding 565 points in the process, whilst managing to post just 104 points.

High watermarks of their season to date have been narrow losses at home to Longton and away at Newbold, but otherwise it has been pretty much one-way traffic against the Wassell Grove side. Recent losses at home to Peterborough Lions (0-90) and away at Sandbach (109-0) have been particularly heavy.

Yet the Bees would do well to put any complacent thoughts well out of mind, as Old Halesonians have reportedly shown a lot of spirit and pride despite their poor run of results and the local derby factor is always a leveller. Still, the travelling Bees support will be hopeful of a win that will continue their unbeaten run into the fourth month of the season.

With Umraan Jadwat picking up a knock in the Nuneaton game, Danny Wright switches to No.8, alongside Ashley Scriven and Michael Stephens in the backrow. Matt Spink starts in the engine room with Andy Weaver, with Reece Donaldson coming in onto the bench. Joe Foreman, Zane Raimondi and Kurtis Payne form the “ABC” club, with Matt Probert named as the front row replacement.

Jimmy Oliver is rested, with Steve Johns taking the No.13 shirt – otherwise the backline is unchanged from the win at Liberty Way.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will be entertaining Old Halesonians 2nds at Portway in the Midlands Reserve League, KO 2.15pm.

Bees squad v Old Halesonians (A, 2.15pm KO): - 1. Joe Foreman, 2. Zane Raimondi, 3. Kurtis Payne, 4. Andy Weaver, 5. Matt Spink, 6. Ashley Scriven, 7. Michael Stephens, 8 Danny Wright, 9. Jack Jolly ©, 10. Max Rodman, 11. Tawanda Chipadza, 12. Nathan Tilsley, 13. Steve Johns, 14. JT Nabetelevu, 15. Harry O’Brien, 16. Matt Probert, 17. Reece Donaldson & 18. Jack Secher.

Referee: - Adam Carpenter Sat Nav DY9 9JP

Hornets squad v Old Halesonians 2s (H, 2.15pm KO): - 1. George Radburn, 2. Jamie Domachi, 3. Harry Smith, 4. Harry Barnes, 5. Ed Krawlecki, 6. Jacob Lisle, 7. Sam Allen, 8. Chris Thompson ©, 9. Ben Phillips, 10. Sonny Young, 11. Ace Summers, 12. Jevon Hinds, 13. Joe Cave, 14. Diaba, 15. Ben Cooper, 16. Tom Greevy, 17. Harry Jackson & 18. Cameron May.