| Back in September both clubs would have been delighted with the final outcome to the season. The Yiewsley Drive club set out their stall for promotion.They recruited wisely from a crop of students allied to the Falcons, including the Connon brothers from Carlisle and flying winger Chris McTurk from York. They took their places alongside more exotic imports from New Zealand and South Africa such as flanker Luke Wishnowsky and scrum half Zylon McGaffin. However, one of their best performers has been bullocking forward Danny Dixon who made the short trip from Billingham. Mowden have played a very open and attractive game and, after a stuttering start, have been worthy leaders of the league. They're keeping the squad together for next season and will do very well in National Two. | |
In our first season back in the national leagues a largely unchanged squad from last season has more than held its own - specially at Brinkburn. Our last two games are at home - if we win both then no side will have beaten us twice this season which would be a significant achievement. | |
With respect to Sandal this week's visitors will provide the sternest test. In the first fixture we almost sneaked a win, with lots of pressure on the home line in the final minute, but had to be content with a losing bonus point.. Both sides will be without some key players. McTurk is away on Yorkshire Under 20s duty while fly half Grant Connon has a knee injury. We will be missing Liam Bailey [right] who has had another superb season. The young hooker injured a knee in training and has been seeing a specialist this week. In comes club captain Andrew Dixon and he'll pack down alongside Ross Wood who is returning after popping a rib just two minutes after coming on as a replacement at Bradford & Bingley. |
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| Chocky Davies, who has had one of his best ever seasons, will once again be partnered by Tom Dixon while Stephen Stockdale [below] will be at No 8. | |
 | In the backs Andrew Foreman will have to be content with a place on the bench against one of his former clubs, with brother Gareth starting at scrum half alongside Stu Waites. Colin Cheslin also returns at full back after injury. It's a strong looking West bench with Anth Carr - available but unable to train because of work commitments - joining Gareth Eddy who is also returning from injury. There's nothing to play for but local pride - but with so many connections between the clubs that should be enough to produce an entertaining game. |
West: Colin Cheslin, Greg Edwards, Andrew Cheslin, Luke Watson, Scott Butcher, Stu Waites, Gareth Foreman, Ross Wood, Andrew Dixon, Adam Coates, Tom Dixon, Andrew Davies , Dan Boatman [capt], Jon Boatman, Stephen Stockdale. Reps: Andrew Foreman, Anth Carr, Gareth Eddy. Mowden Park: Max Connon, Paul Shepherd, Cameron Mitchell, Chris Peace, Martin Lithgo, Tom Hodgson, Zylon McGaffin, Ralph Appleby, Junior Fagalilo [capt], Dan Miller, Neil Young, Chris Campbell, Tom Schofield, Will McAulay, Danny Dixon. Reps: Chris strong, Michael Whinn, Todd Harrison | |
