Bees team to play Esher in relegation play off
Mar
The Bees have named a full strength side ahead of their opening RFU Championship Playoff game against Esher at Damson Park this Sunday, 13th March KO 1pm.
"With pretty much a fully fit squad to pick from, it's been great to have real selection headaches to ponder on this week” said Bees’ Director of Rugby Russell Earnshaw, who has opted for the second row partnership of Alex Ball and Mark Hopley, with Ross Noonan and Semisi Taulava providing cover for “the engine room” on the bench. “Alex has come back from injury in great shape and is an equally strong line out jumper as he is in the scrum, whilst Hoppers brings additional a wealth of top level experience which is vital in tight game situations.”
Rob Dugard, Ross McMillan and Premiership-bound Leo Halavatau have proved themselves to be a highly effective scrummaging force all season, with Ngalu Tau, George Thomas and Matt Long ready in reserve, with a Mike Denbee, Rob Connolly and Earnshaw himself forming the back row trio.
In the backs, Rod Petty will be looking to continue his impressive partnership with Mark Woodrow at 9 and 10 respectively, with Sam Cox linking up with Will Lawson at centre. England Sevens star Simon Hunt and Ollie Grove continue on the wing, with Ollie Winter keeping the starting No.15 shirt just ahead of a fit-again Tom Foden, who joins Jimmy Williams as one of the seven named subs.
“Its a massive game and everyone is now just looking forward to getting onto the park and doing everything we can to get our Championship campaign off to a winning start.
The Bees’ team to face Esher Sunday 13th March 1pm KO at Damson Park is as follows:- 1. Rob Dugard, 2. Ross McMillan (c), 3. Leo Halavatu, 4. Mark Hopley, 5. Alex Ball, 6. Rob Connolly, 7. Mike Denbee, 8. Russell Earnshaw, 9. Rod Petty, 10. Mark Woodrow, 11. Ollie Grove, 12. Sam Cox, 13. Will Lawson, 14. Simon Hunt, 15. Ollie Winter. On the bench:- 16. Ngalu Tau, 17. George Thomas, 18. Matt Long, 19. Semisi Taulava, 20. Ross Noonan, 21. Jimmy Williams, 22. Tom Foden.
