The Outlaws hope tomorrow will see their season finally start! Having picked up a HWO against Henley in game 1 the newly promoted side and had a cancellation due to not ref in week 2 the outlaws are salivating at the thought of finally gracing the field the week, Witney are the team who we welcome to Holton and with 5 points already on the board The outlaws will look to add to that tally with a strong line up on show.
The 5 points gained thanks to Henley Is not generally how we would like to earn the bp win, but it proved exactly what they needed in terms of coming away with minimal injury concerns, with the Outlaws eager to prove they are more than a one season wonder, these men are looking to build on the success that the Outlaws have already achieved
With that in mind, here’s the team, The Outlaws first outing of the season against Witney 3s on Saturday in the BBO 2 North
1. Darren Gregory
Daz has made an impression start to rugby having only taken up the sport last season this prop forward has seen his stock rise significantly throughout the summer have attended almost every training session and demonstrated an eagerness to learn
2. Jake Durbin
Jake is fast becoming the new go to utility player, having popped up on the wing, backrow and centre Jack finds himself back in the cauldron of the front row this week
3. Kier Williams
He truly is a scrummaging machine, never a backward step in the set piece Kier now adds an experienced head to proceedings completes the front row.
4. Lawrence Watts
This may be his last game in a purple shirt ? Lawrence always delivers happy on the ball and makes yards in contact, he leaves nothing in the changing rooms sure to play a big part throughput the game.
5. Mason Bradshaw
Big Mase, quite simply the strongest player on the books with massive hands and from farming stock, Mason needs to fill his Saturday afternoons with some action with harvest behind him and he’s keen to play more games this season.
6. Ruven Weir
After being involved in the opening match of the campaign, Ruvern starts at blindside and adds a carrying option the starting line-up, Ruvern hopes the body holds together for another 80 mins
7. Nigel Coltman
Nigel returns after injury during the Vets final and finds himself at open side, given his wealth of experience Nigel may apply a new level of cunning to the 7 shirt
8. Kieran Costa
Having made his first team debut against Abingdon Kieran returns to start at 8 this week for the Outlaws, Kieran lowers the average age oft this experienced pack and and undoubtedly will be the legs in the latter stages of the game.
9. Gav Belcher
Another straightforward swap as he will dovetail with Russ at 10 throughout the afternoon. His experience and calm persona will be helpful against this Witney side and his robust breakdown approach will surely deliver several turnovers.
10. Russell Neal
A surprise choice no doubt, but Russ is the recognised eighth -choice at fly-half and given that Aaron Laman, Hugo Stanford Tuck, George Cowlrick, Jack Taylor, Connor Cuff, Duncan Dingell and Alex Gabbidion are all engaged elsewhere, it makes sense to give Russ a go! It may prove a risk, but it Russ is probably the most versatile player in the squad and can be trusted at 10 when needed.
11. Charlie Caldicott
Having recovered from injury Charlie bring some nice wheels to the back line and given space can run, another graduate of the minis and juniors Charlie continues to move up the ranks as his confidence grows
12. Jeremy Tanner
The selection of Tanner is no so much a gamble given how last season Jez picked up the player of the season award he will handle the expedition heaped upon his shoulders and is sure to deliver against Witney
13. Guy Williams
Made a really strong contribution in pre season and his defensive awareness in the 13 channel would put Russ and Tanner at ease of having someone they can trust outside them.
14. David Thomas
The stalwart of the entire club DT s now Wheatley RUFCs longest serving player that continues to pour his heart and soul in to a Saturday afternoon, like a fine wine Dave improves with age.
15. Adam Muir
After taking a season long sabbatical Adam returns to action at fullback this week and adds real attacking threat from deep. Hopefully we will get to see that attacking sparkle in all its glory against Witney
16. Gordon Swinton
Gordon returns to action after an impressive Vets campaign, covering the backrow and will make an impact when needed