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League Review - Games played 15/9/07
Whilst week two did not offer the surprise results of the first weekend
of the season, it nevertheless showed that the league will be a lot
more open this season.
Promotion favourites Kettering bounced back from their surprise opening
day defeat with a crushing 52-10 victory over local rival's ON's. Not
for the first time the Kettering back row was singled out for praise in
a performance that was as convincing as the score-line suggests.
Worryingly for the rest of the league, the blue's ranks will be further
strengthened by the arrival of two overseas players (a Fijian and
Australian second row) and so long as they can rectify their patchy
away form, Kettering will surely be in the top two by April.
Promoted Syston continued their perfect start to the season, following
a tense 13-12 victory over fellow promoted side Banbury. After their
surprise demolition of Matlock on the first weekend, Syston showed
again that their mix of forward power and an exciting back line have
the potential to make a real impact on their return to this level. It
will be interesting to see how they get on this weekend as they host
Kettering.
Following their summer recruitment drive Newark also have a perfect
record as they returned from Melton with 2 points thanks to an equally
close 23-16 victory. It was thanks to 13 points from the boot of
captain Dan Coen, and a try each from the forwards and backs that
Newark secured the points.
Like Syston and Newark, the injection of new blood at Hinckley appears
to be working well, as they remain unbeaten following a 34-20 victory
away at Ampthill. Whilst, it was a closer game than the scoreline may
suggest, Hinckley clinically took most of their chances and having
mastered the large Ampthill pack, deserved to claim the two points.
Matlock returned to form with a convincing 18-8 victory over Derby
(their fourth in a row) at Haslams Lane. Although Matlock are still
missing a couple of key players, including the siege gun boot of Chris
Young who is still in Canada, their forward power was still too much
for Derby who were forced to live off scraps all afternoon.
And finally, Pavs returned from Market Bosworth with the points,
although it was far from a vintage performance, from either side. Pavs
generosity kept Bosworth in the game close for longer they should have
been, and a marked improvement will be needed if they are to see off
the strong challenge of Ampthill.
Will Oates
Squad Members
1stXV Squad v Ilkeston 1-9-07
2nd XV Squad v South Leicester 8-9-07
3rdXV Squad v Spartans 8-9-07
click here for photos from pre season training 2005/6 |
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