Match Preview

Match Preview Bees v Nuneaton 5th November 2016

BEES KEEN TO REGAIN WINNING HABIT AGAINST ‘NUNS

League leaders visit Portway as Bees try to put two game losing run behind them

The Bees welcome league leaders Nuneaton to Portway tomorrow (Saturday 5th November KO 2.15pm), keen to end a two-game losing streak.

The last fortnight has seen two defeats against sides from Staffordshire – a disappointing performance against Lichfield at Portway two weeks ago was in marked contrast to a much better showing up at Longton last week. Despite depleted resources, the Bees gave a good account of themselves against a strong and physical Longton side, going down 22-11.

The competitiveness and unpredictability of the league was underlined by last weekend’s results. Peterborough Lions beat leaders Sheffield, Syston beat Old Hales on their home turf and Towcestrians came very close to causing an upset at Sandbach.

Just thirteen points separate the Bees in ninth spot from the current league leaders and tomorrow’s visitors, Nuneaton, who have only been beaten once so far in their 2016/17 campaign (against Sheffield). They come into tomorrow’s game having won in their last two outings, against Bedford and Syston respectively.

Honours were even when our two sides met last season – ‘Nuns won 25-3 at Attenborough Fields back in October, with the Bees recording a pleasing 17-3 victory at Portway in February.

Ben Woods and Pete Glackin have made some adjustments to the side following last week’s reverse against Longton. Joe Foreman returns to the front row at hooker, joining props Pete Koziot and Kurtis Payne. Andrew Weaver and captain Chris Goddard start in the second row, whilst an injury to Danny Wright means that Matt Spink switches to No 8, with Ashley Scriven coming in on the blindside alongside openside flanker, Michael Stephens.

In the backs, a fit again Jack Jolly returns at scrum half, where he will be partnered at fly half by Max Rodman. After scoring from the bench last week, Tawanda Chipadza retains the No.11 shirt, with Isaac McNulty and Mikey Whettell pairing up in the centres. Chris Fensome and Nathan Tilsey complete the back line.

After making an impressive senior debut last week, Freddie Clark retains his place on the bench. He is joined by Charlie Mumford and Reece Donaldson.

The Hornets travel to Attenborough Fields to play Nuneaton 2s.