Match Preview

RUGBY'S BACK!

After two miserable Saturday's of pretending to enjoy the company of family and friends, The Purple men are back doing what they enjoy the most, RUUUUUGGGGBBBBYYYY.

Despite the popular saying, Saturday is not in fact a rugby day, instead being replaced by a Sunday trip to Oxford RFC to face the perennial tormentors Blue Boar RFC. It is fair to say that history has not been in Wheatley's favour against the invitational side, having been on the wrong end of a thrilling 21-15 loss in the 2-15 final. Outside of this meeting, Blue Boar are an unknown quantity and with a bye and concession in the Shield, gauging current form is near on impossible. All Wheatley can be sure of is this is not your run of the mill pub side.

The side taking to The Oxford Harlequins pitch will once again be lead out by Captain Alex Acklam who starts at prop, again alongside Pete Mitchell and Alex Gabbidon who passed a late fitness test (on his knee, overall fitness is yet to be evidenced...). The regular second row of Nick Banton (at 4... never 5) and a caffeinated Matt GIbb. Starting at 6 will be James Neal, whilst Dan Bland scrapes past the selection committee. Jack Atkinson moans at 8.

The back line will also be familiar to both of the regular Wheatley fan base with Aaron Laman starting at 9 alongside recently evicted Andy Willis. Jack Taylor returns to the fold at 12 and Joe Hobdell will be outside him at 13. A back three full of pace and power consists of Dan Rule and Iain Downer, whilst Josh Hillsdon dodges the number 10 shirt again.

Cup competition gives the luxury of 5 substitutes allowing Wheatley to name a diverse bench. Providing the front row cover, photography and 'Tam Cam' will be Simon Chadbone, with Jake Durbin offering... something. Jack Smith will provide second row cover, allowing him to buy another pair of boots. Adam Muir offers a variety of back line cover (providing he doesn't have to pass) and Jordan Hook will leave his Action man, Play Dough and other Christmas presents at home to provide back 3 cover.

It's a cliche but there are no second chances at this one and Wheatley won't have "oh well we'll get em in the league" to provide a consolation. With many of the squad still nursing the wounds of the previous encounter, motivation and determination will not be in short supply!