Drifters stand in way of Seasiders (From Dorset Echo)

Drifters stand in way of Seasiders

8:30am Friday 1st January 2010 in

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WEYMOUTH’S rugby players have not had much time to enjoy the Christmas festivities as they prepare for their biggest game in the last five years.

The Seasiders travel to Drifters, who are based near Slough, tomorrow for a Southern Counties Senior Vase semi-final tie, aiming to reach their first final in about 10 years.

Captain Mark Sample expects to have a fully fit squad to choose from and is confident his side can reproduce yet more good form in the cup.

“We’ve played our best rugby in the cup and the boys realise that,” said Sample. “Although it’s away and it’s going to be a massive task we’ve already beaten two teams from their league.”

Drifters are currently third in their league, one place behind an Oxford outfit that Dorset & Wilts Division One side Weymouth saw off 20-10 in November’s last eight match.

Drifters beat Bridport – who are top of Weymouth’s division – earlier in the competition so Weymouth will not go into the game blind, but a lot of hard work has had to be put in by the team over the holidays.

“We’ve been training over Christmas in order to get ourselves prepared,” said Sample. “In my time at Weymouth it will be the biggest game I should imagine.

“The game against Dorchester before Christmas last season was a big game but as we are playing away from home in this semi-final it’s a massive one.

“I know a lot of guys who have been doing their own personal training and it’s important we leave early to get that travelling out of our legs.

“They did play and beat Bridport in the last round so we don’t completely know nothing about them but that’s obviously only going on one game.

“Bridport have been so good in the league and have been consistent so it shows what sort of side they are – for them to come away from home and beat Bridport, they must be a fairly strong side.”

Sample has overcome a shoulder knock sustained against Puddletown last month so should be ready to face Drifters, while Adam Poole, George Carter and Will Hughes are all available for the travelling 22-man squad.

The skipper added: “The guys who have been putting effort in and those playing well will be the ones selected.

“We’ve got a good opportunity to take our strongest 22 players up to Slough.”

n Bridport travel to Wimborne II looking to maintain their lead at the top of Dorset & Wilts One South while Puddletown visit Salisbury II in a battle between the division’s bottom two sides, in a fixture which was postponed a fortnight ago due to a frozen pitch.

Dave Holah and Jack Foot are doubtful due to work commitments but otherwise Udell has a full squad to choose from, including the ever-present Jim Talbot now recovered from his shoulder injury.

n The Villagers’ traditional Boxing Day inter-club match saw more than 40 players taking part in a game full of running rugby, with the country team triumphing over their town rivals by 38-10.

Swanage & Wareham host Olney in South West Division One East while Dorchester are without a game.