Match Preview

With the season well under way, our attention now turns to the cup, where Wheatley welcome old rivals Abingdon to Holton playing fields.

Recent history hasn't exactly gone Wheatley's way, with last seasons meetings resulting in a comprehensive 46-8 and a hard fought 46-39 losses in last years BBO Premiership. Since then, Wheatley have gone down a league and are currently unbeaten this year, whereas Abingdon have yet to reproduce the form they showed last year, having yet to win after some close games against tough opposition. Cup history however does land in Wheatley's favour, with their last knock out meeting coming in the 2014 season, where Wheatley ran out 20-15, in a dramatic encounter that, with the scores tied at 15-15, saw Josh Hillsdon score with the last play of the game.

As this is possibly Wheatley's hardest test to date, a strong team is needed and a strong team is what is given!

Looking to combat Abingdon's strong pack and scrum will be the freshly tanned Captain Fantastic Alex Acklam alongside Pete Mitchell at Hooker. Just missing out on the number 10 shirt, Alex Gabbidon will complete the front row. Nick Banton leads with the forearm at number 4, whilst Matt Gibb works on his pushing game alongside him. The Half Marathon trio of Caillin '1:52' Taylor, Jack '1:57' Atkinson and Dan 'DNS' Bland start at 6,8 and 7 respectively.

Leading scorer Aaron Laman will look to add to his tally at number 9 with Andy 'Fastest Halfer in Wheatley' Willis starting outside him in at number 10. Jack Taylor has another Tinder date and so Brother of DFCP (Disgraced Former Captain Pooch) makes his return from injury at number 12 and Jack 'I think Doc said I'm fine, but my short term memory isn't what it used to be' Smith also makes his return to Rugby in the absence of Sanda Mpanza. Fresh from last week's brace, Gav 'best player named Gavin' Stanton starts on the wing, with Craig Buddle supplying the beers on the opposite wing. Jordan 'Brutal Chat' Hook will complete the team as he continues his fine form at full back.

Cup rules allow for the naming of 5 Substitutes and in a surprising turn of events, Wheatley actually have 5 substitutes! Avon Lady Tamworth provides front row cover and is named alongside Callum Fraser, Charlie and Jake Durbin. Joe Taylor will make his debut and along with Caillin, will hope to be the best set of brothers to grace Wheatley's field since the Chadbones pulled on the purple. An easy task given that the competition (the Hobdell's) were heavily let down by the besmirched Former Captain Pooch.

A dry day is forecast meaning Wheatley can employ their patented gameplan that includes Smiles and Possession (and maybe a bit of running).

Kick off is 3pm at Holton playing fields. Bar open and all supporters are needed!!!

(I was going to call time on the Pooch bashing, but after the latest,non rugby related injury, I reversed my decision. #sorrynotsorry)