Rugby Previews: South West Cup bid as Weymouth face Drifters (From Dorset Echo)

Rugby Previews: South West Cup bid as Weymouth face Drifters

8:40am Friday 10th February 2012 in Sport By Ky Capel

WEYMOUTH take their first steps on the road to Twickenham tomorrow as they do battle with Drifters in the semi-finals of the South West Cup (2.30pm).

However, head coach Paul Harding knows his men, who are three wins away from a trip to England HQ, face a mammoth task at Monmouth Avenue as they host a side from a higher division and who have yet to taste defeat this season.

Harding said: “It’s a big game for the club. In fact it’s one of the biggest games the club has had for a long, long time.

“The guys are gearing up nicely for it and it’s been difficult to pick the 22.

“On paper we have a good side but they play a level above us and are undefeated this season so it will be a very hard game for us and we are all aware of that.

“Training was very good in the week and we’ve also introduced a new member to the coaching set-up in Phil Robinson.

“He’ll work on speed, agility and fitness and the two sessions he has taken so far have been very positive. I just want the boys to go out and play to the best of their abilities. If they do that they will be in with a shout.”

Harry Charles and Gary Hamlin return to the starting XV while Dave Oakford, James Leach and Simon Dean are expected to be among the replacements.

It’s take two at Coburg Road as Dorchester finally hope to host Dorset rivals Wimborne (2.30pm).

Last Saturday’s Southern Counties South encounter was called off due to the current cold snap and both sides will be aiming to avoid a repeat situation tomorrow.

Puddletown also face a rearranged fixture after last weekend’s freeze claimed their home clash with Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew.

The Villagers triumphed 47-12 in the away fixture earlier in the season, but after a poor start the Salisbury-based visitors have been showing signs of improvement recently and are sure to prove tougher opposition tomorrow (1.45pm).

Puddletown, eyeing a third win on the spin in Dorset & Wilts Two South, expect to have a full strength squad available.

Swanage & Wareham welcome Buckingham to Bestwall in a crucial relegation tussle in South West One East (2.15pm) after last week’s meeting also fell victim to the icy conditions.

Bridport are without a fixture but their second XV visit their Dorchester counterparts in Dorset & Wilts Three South (2.30pm).

Elsewhere, Dorset & Wilts Under-20s travel to Reading on Sunday for a National Champ-ionship clash with Berkshire (2.30pm).

The Twin Counties will be licking their wounds after their opening 15-12 home defeat at the hands of Buckinghamshire.

Weymouth’s Nick Sheppard is once again included in the squad.