Old N’s – like the Bees – have not enjoyed the best of form in the first third of the season, managing only to notch up one win from eight league outings to date – a win up at Sandbach in early October. They have come up short against Newport (A), Nuneaton (H), Old Halesonians (H), Syston (A), Peterborough Lions (H), Scunthorpe (H) and most latterly Sutton Coldfield (A) last week.

However a number of those defeats have been by narrow margins – not least last week’s 23-22 defeat at Walmley Road, so Old Northamptonians will no doubt be targeting this game as a chance to lift them off bottom spot in the league table.

With just two wins to their name ourselves, the Bees sit just three places above Old N’s in the National League 3 Midlands table so will be keen not to give the Northamptonshire side any rest bite.

This week sees the welcome return from injury of Jimmy Oliver in centres, who will provide some additional zip and penetration and, in combination with Jack Jolly, hopefully be able to present ONs with real some issues.

At half back the ever improving Oli Blundell gets the nod at 9 with Ian Briggs at 10, whose opposite number is likely to be James Grayson, son of Northampton and England fly half Paul.

Up front, Marcus Tomlinson retains his starting position following a hard working and muscular debut last Saturday. Matt Spink returns to the engine room following some promising performances on the flank. The back row triumvirate of Forder, Tibbatts and Scriven offer a blend of pace, power and aggression.

A strong bench includes Dan Toth, Mitch Lee and Scott Harman.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bees Head of Rugby Ian Matthews said “The squad have trained hard this week and are confident of putting in an 80 minute performance. The coaching and performance team were encouraged by the first 40 last week against Old Halesonians and proud of the commitment and determination on show.”

“We need to deliver that again over the full 80 minutes against a side who are likely to be much better than their form and league position to date suggest”.

Old Northamptonians v Bees kicks off at 2.15pm at Billing Road Northampton, whilst back at Portway the Development side entertain Old N’s 2nds, again a 2.15pm kick off.