The 1st XV are set to take on Rams at The Rock on Saturday in a clash between 4th and 2nd.
The 1st XV will be coming into this weekend off the back of a bonus point win away at Birmingham Moseley that makes it 3 wins from the last 4 matches and 6 from the last 8. As it stands, Park sit 6 points behind Plymouth in 3rd, with Sedgley, Moseley and Richmond all still breathing down our neck, making this weekend’s result a crucial one.
Our opponents this weekend will also come into the tie on a hot streak of form as they have won 5 of their last 6, with their only loss coming away at top of the table Chinnor before Christmas. This run of games has helped to steady the ship for Rams after an uncharacteristic stretch of results across October and November that saw them lose to Leicester, DMP and Sale in 3 consecutive rounds. Currently, the Reading outfit sit in 2nd, just 3 points adrift of Chinnor having played each other twice already meaning they will be fighting tooth and nail to keep apace with the league leaders.
The 1st XV last faced Rams back in December and fell to a 31-20 defeat in a stilted and frustrating outing that saw tries from Charlie Walker, Matt Williams and Sunni Jardine, as well as 5 points from boot of TJ Wilstead, make up Park’s point tally. Interestingly, in that match all 8 tries were scored in the first 60 minutes and none in the final 20. Scoring had dried up for both sides in the final quarter as the game became more fractured and the referee got more involved. This worked in favour of Rams who had established a lead thanks in part to tries either side of halftime.
Heading into Saturday’s fixture, the 1st XV will endeavour to maintain good discipline as well as trying to employ the fast-paced, expansive style of play that has been so effective throughout this season.
Bring the noise! We’re looking forward to our first home game of the year back in front of the Park faithful. Tickets are on sale here.