A warm welcome to Scunthorpe – you can view this weekend’s match programme here : match programme – and Bridlington’s 4th XV who come to Kelleythorpe this Saturday.
Scunthorpe travel to complete our rearranged fixture from the cold snap back in December. I wrote in the preview back then that Scunthorpe were in a relegation battle, and that has not changed since. Scunthorpe have only played two matches since this one was postponed, both away : at Alnwick last weekend, losing 43 – 22 and at Ilkley on 7 January, losing 14-7. This means they sit 2nd bottom, still on 15 points, with just the one win so far. Scunthorpe have done well out of the bonus points, having six Try Bonus and five Losing Bonus points, which has kept them ahead of West Bridgford. It also shows they can score points – something we need to be watchful about tomorrow.
Our first meeting back in September ended in a comfortable win, 31 – 55 to Driffield. Well, that was what the records will show – truth was that it is a very tight game until Scunthorpe had a player sent off for a high tackle. From that point Scunthorpe kept at the task, however, had no answer for Driffield’s pace and power. Driffield finishing with 9 tries.
Last weekend, Driffield showed another strong performance winning at Doncaster Phoenix, and won very comfortably too. It was tight until half-time, Phoenix scored first after the break, but this seemed to push Driffield into the next gear and we ran away easy winners.
We stay in 4th in the league : Cleckheaton lost to Heath so they have lost ground on the top four. Billingham still look comfortable favourite for the top spot, but 2nd and 3rd are still up for grabs. The next four weeks will shape our season ; Alnwick, Heath and Cleckheaton all coming to Kelleythorpe.
2nd XV head to Sheffield to face their 2nd XV. This will be another stern test for the squad : they followed the 1st XV with an impressive win at Phoenix last weekend, winning 45-7. They still sit second in the merit table behind Wharfedale, who visit Kelleythorpe on 18 March. We are holding a pre-match lunch for this second team game, if you are interested in taking a table or a seat, please get in touch with Kerry.
3rd XV had no fixture last weekend but head over to Malton to face their 2nd XV.
4th XV welcome Bridlington 3rds to Kelleythorpe. The 4th XV had a good trip to Grimsby last weekend : the game finished 15 all. I am sure it was a great game, and the boys had a bit of fun on the way home too i believe.
Ladies have a rest again, but they are taking part in a development game at Beverley on Sunday, so any ladies who fancy giving rugby a try this your opportunity,.
Our Colts also play Sunday, when they welcome Selby to Kelleythorpe.
A great weekend ahead for rugby fans.
The 1st XV is
- Bryce McKinnon
- Simon Pettinger*
- Josh Thundercliffe
- Ed Falkingham*
- Sam Gleeson
- Matthew Jenkinson
- Rob Mewburn* (C)
- Adam Brankley*
- James Watts*
- Will Brigham*
- James Short*
- Robbie Rix
- Ben Blacker*
- John Soanes*
- Ben Dinsdale*
- Mark Blenkinsop
- Jordan Young*
- Henry Harrison
Good Luck to all in Blue, Black & White.