Match Preview

Match Preview Bees v Broadstreet Saturday 1st October 2016

BEES UNCHANGED MELODY FOR GLACKIN

Unchanged side for Broadstreet encounter is welcome news for Bees’ Head of Rugby

The Bees have been able to name an unchanged starting XV for the first time this season, as they prepare for the visit of Broadstreet to Portway tomorrow (Saturday 1st October, KO 3pm).

Danny Wright retains the skipper’s armband and is joined in the back row by Michael Stephens at openside flanker and the industrious Ash Scriven at No.8. Andrew Weaver, who impressed in his Bees’ debut last week, is partnered in the engine room by Matt Spink, whilst Pete Koziot, Louis Addleton and Joe Foreman make up the “ABC” club.

Max Rodman, who has made a big impression since coming on as a sub in the first home game of the season against Bedford A, retains the No.10 shirt, partnered by Charlie Mumford at scrum half.

Isaac McNulty and Jimmy Oliver continue their partnership in the centres, whilst Dan Barratt and Chris Fensome start on the wings, with another debutant from last weekend’s gritty win at Bridgnorth – Nathan Tilsley – retained at full back.

Chris Goddard returns to the bench having been unavailable last week and is joined by prop Kurtis Payne and Jacob Ham who, like Nathan Tilsley, is on loan from Stourbridge.

The game will be an opportunity to renew old acquaintances, with the Bees having last played Broadstreet in 2014/2015 during their last season in National League 2.

Relegated from NLN2 themselves at the end of last season, Broadstreet have lost their first two games of the season in this league - away to Sandbach and home to Sheffield. However, their form has improved of late, winning back to back games on the road at Syston and on home turf against Bedford Athletic.

With our two wins and a draw to date and with Broadstreet picking up two try bonus points, both sides currently have 10 points in the league table.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bees’ Head of Rugby Pete Glackin said, “Since our last home win against Bedford Athletic we travelled to Towcestians which ended in a disappointing loss on an afternoon where we failed to perform effectively against a combative side."

"Last weekend witnessed two great results for the senior squad. The Bees defeated Bridgnorth RFC 26-22 and the Hornets overcome Dudley Kingswinford 21-14 – notably five colts stepped up, with real credit, to make their senior appearances. A number of injuries and unavailability’s have crept up on the squad over the last two weeks with a total of 17 players being ruled out.”

The Hornets play Broadstreet 2s this evening, with Mitch McGahan making a return from injury at fly half.

Immediately following the Bees home game against Broadstreet, local singer songwriter Monty Taft will be performing in the clubhouse. Monty has recently been signed by Simon Cowell and has performed this year at Glastonbury.