Middlesbrough Preview

By Dave Picken - January 3 2014
Middlesbrough Preview
Davy Tighe will start against Middlesbrough where he left off on Boxing  Day - at fly half. In the continued absence of Colin Cheslin, who hasn't been able to train because of  a back problem, Stu Waites moves back to his original position as we look to continue our unbeaten home record.

So far it's six out of six for West while Boro have played six away games but, so far, haven't managed a win. 

Fortunately, their home form was decent last year until a narrow defeat by Wheatley Hills ended a run of victories -  as a result they're just above the relegation zone.

We are involved in an equally competitive battle for second place with three sides all on 46 points. Cleckheaton have managed a lot of bonus points and are still well clear of the chasing pack - despite finally being docked five points after protracted RFU hearings.

The incident in question actually happened in April 2012 when a Malton & Norton player was badly injured off the ball. The club's inability to identify a culprit being the reason for the charges.

Cleck, of course, are one of the seven teams still to visit Brinkburn - we have only had two home games since Alnwick visited back in balmy October.

Iain Dixon is always quick to point out that home form is the key to success, and he will be delighted that skipper Dan Boatman has recovered after limping off with a sore ankle at Rovers.

Sam Miller scored twice in the 34-3 victory at Acklam Park back in September and will start at No 8.

In the backs Liam Bailey and the in form Andrew Cheslin will continue in the centres, with the versatile Luke Mallinson starting on the wing this week. His pace and big boot have been one of the pluses of the season together with the form and leadership of Owen Bennett in the second row.

Boro will be skippered by former West colt Rob Bellerby and will have the influential Peter Wright at scrum half and "veteran" Simon Moore at inside centre.

West: Stu Waites, Luke Mallinson, Andrew Cheslin, Liam Bailey, Scott Butcher, Davy Tighe, Ryan Painter, Ian Pinchen, Andrew Rollins, Adam Coates, Owen Bennett, Michael Hogan, Dan Boatman [capt], Jon Boatman, Sam Miller. Changes: Jay Corbett, Andy Turner, Greg Edwards.

Boro: Jack Bircham, Adam Nolson, Rob Bellerby [capt], Simon Moore, Connor Foley, Matthew Todd, Peter Wright, Isa Warsama, Ash Kearney, Richard Lonsdale, James Wardle, Phillip Harland, Oliver Heslehurst, Tom Fox, Iain Bradford. Changes: Josh Lynas, Chris Snaith, Ross McNeil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Middlesbrough Preview
Posted by: Official West Hartlepool RFC (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2014 10:08


Re: Middlesbrough Preview
Posted by: Dave Picken (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2014 10:56

BTW - The Under 11s are taking on Middlesbrough Under 11s in a warm up game at Brinkburn at 11.00

Re: Middlesbrough Preview
Posted by: West Park Allotment (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2014 14:30

A home game. Whatever next?
Incidentally has anyone looked at the slideshow on the Mail website of the Boxing Day game. Some excellent round the legs tackling from our lads so let's keep that up, please. Good luck lads.

Re: Middlesbrough Preview
Posted by: Denny Dixon (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2014 05:06

Good luck to WEST today and Happy New Year to all associated with the club!!! Middlesbrough appear much improved by their results but these are games we must try to take full points from. Positive thinking guys and if you leave everything on the pitch no one can ask for more!!!

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