Wheatley will look to put the frustrations of last week behind them as they welcome another giant town and current League leaders Slough to the Holton Playing Fields.
Even with a population roughly 35 times the size of Wheatley that includes David Brent and Europe’s largest trading estate, history actually sits on the side of the purplemen having won all four of their previous encounters between 2014 and 2016, with the last game between the sides ending in a 26-31 win for Wheatley in what was a particularly feisty affair. However, as always at this level, fortunes can change season to season and since Wheatley’s relegation, Slough have had a strong 2016/17 season, finishing 3rd and have started this season strongly too as they sit unbeaten with a maximum 20 points, dispatching Hungerford (29-12), Didcot (30-24), MK (32-24) and Tadley (57-17) en route.
As always, Wheatley will not be underestimating their ask ahead and another strong team has been selected to face ‘The Greenies’
In a rare twist, Captain Alex Acklam is actually available for two weeks in a row and will lead the team, and front row. Pete Mitchell joins him at hooker whilst Alex Gabbidon is judged to be fit after last Saturday’s team building boxercise class. After making “the effort to train twice a week” and not, Jack Atkinson will move back to his second row slot alongside the only guy deaf enough to put up with his moaning, Matthew Gibb. Running like a Velociraptor squeezing into the number 6 shirt is Daniel Bland alongside the hemp protein fuelled Fraser Petterson at 7. James Neal returns back to his favoured number 8 spot as he looks to give his legions of fans what they want and claim a back to back Player of the month award.
Self-proclaimed BBO Fantasy Rugby’s ‘Best Player’ (#AssistKing), Jack Taylor starts at 9 alongside Aaron Laman at 10 who will hopefully take his aggression out on those not in purple and not after the game. After intense psychotherapy sessions have helped him get over the fact he’s related to the Former Disgraced (and injured) Captain, Joe Hobdell returns to the squad at 12 whilst Iain Downer makes the journey from London to start at 13, much to Jordan Hook’s relief. After his debut a centre last week, Luke Janes moves out to the wing to partner Dan Rule. Jordan Hook rounds off the squad at 15 as he looks to last 80 minutes without a snap chat filter.
Simon Chadbone couldn’t justify picking himself this week and so will start from the bench alongside Ezra Rees and Caillin Taylor.
A tough test awaits for the boys in purple, but as the old saying goes, “You’ve got to beat the best to be the best” and every man in purple will relish the challenge.