Windsor RFC ready for Slough test

Sportsdesk • Published 17 Feb 2012 06:00 0 Comments

See also:

By James Walker-Roberts

WINDSOR RFC coach Paul Britton is expecting a tough test this Saturday when his promotion-chasing side host local rivals Slough (2.15pm ko).

The two clubs currently occupy different halves of the Southern Counties North table, with Windsor sitting fourth, just six points from the summit, and Slough second from bottom.

The last time they met in November it was Windsor who emerged as 34-0 winners, and the form book points to a similar result this weekend.

But Britton will not be taking anything for granted, and has warned his side that the visitors will do their utmost to cause Windsor troubles.

"We aren't fooling ourselves, the game earlier in the season was a tough test and we only got the majority of the points in the last 15 minutes," he said.

"We have to be up for the match and at our best, I'm expecting a lot of confrontation in the match, some good scrummaging from Slough, and a lot of desire on their part to upset our rhythm and put us off. Regardless of their league position they will be difficult opposition."

Both sides go into the match on the back of a weather-enforced two-week break and Britton admits his team are keen to get back into action.

"We've been doing some training to keep fit but nothing can recreate the intensity of a match and the boys are all eager to get back on to the pitch," he commented.

Elsewhere, Maidenhead will be looking to extend their lead at the top of South West One East when they travel to Buckingham on Saturday (2.15pm ko).

The two sides drew 23-23 when they met at Braywick Park earlier in the campaign, with Maidenhead missing a late conversion to snatch victory.

But since then, Maids have been in fine form, and they go into this weekend on the back of a nine-match winning streak.

Buckingham, on the other hand, are second from bottom in the division and have won just once in their last four outings.

Phoenix sit in the same position in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier ahead of their trip to local rivals Drifters this Saturday (2.30pm ko).

The Sports Ground side's only points this season have come from three draws and they face a tough challenge to avoid relegation.

Their cause looks unlikely to improve at the weekend as they go to a Drifters side who have won all 13 of their league matches, including two wins over Phoenix - 59-7 in the cup and 60-5 in the league.

l THE majority of the matches originally scheduled for last weekend have been rearranged to be played on February 25.

Maidenhead host basement side Olney in South West One East while Slough are at home to Wallingford in Southern Counties North.

Phoenix will bid to play their home match against Stow-on-the-Wold in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier and leaders Drifters go to Princes Risborough.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @windsorobserver