A big game for the teams sitting in tenth and eleventh positions, as we approach the halfway point in the season (two rounds of games to go after this one), with only ten teams surviving at the end of the season (although Leek may hope for a move to the Midland Division even if they do stay up – although so will Stoke and Newport (Salop)).

Leek sit eight points adrift of us, but have yet to play Birkenhead Park (coming in a fortnight after next weekend’s break – although as we found out Park can be a difficult team to defeat). So victory in both games, and they could go above us, if we cannot get a result when we finally return to Mint Bridge in a fortnight to play Penrith. Of course wins for us in both games could open up a good gap at the halfway point in the season.

A bad start to the season for Leek with no league points and some big losses in their first four games conceding over 200 points, but they have gathered points in each of their last four games, with try scoring bonus points against Rossendale then Blackburn, followed by an impressive double bonus point one point loss to Anselmians, and last weekend by a second double bonus point loss in a high scoring game at fourth bottom Stoke (near neighbours at 11 miles between the two).

Like us having some issues defensively – only Birkenhead (against us) have failed to pick up a try scoring bonus point against either team.

TEAM :
Not available – yet

I can’t confirm rumours that after the injuries last Saturday, the Auld Greys Walking Rugby squad have all made themselves available for selection

WEATHER : Mixed messages from the MetOffice – it could be just cloudy – or very wet – depending what part of the report you read

OTHER GAMES

Tough games for both of the top two – still backing them to win
After their win against Blackburn in their last home game it should be a home win for Penrith
After their performance last weekend, Stockport will be looking for another big win (so will probably slip up)
Wirral and Blackburn (along with Manchester) are on the same points, so if Wirral win and Manchester lose, Wirral will go third.

SECOND XV
Are HOME this weekend – a rare occurrence when the First XV are away

The big question is will there be any players left once all the First XV slots are filled ?

Visitors Sale are in 3rd having won six of their seven games, so could be another tough afternoon

WASPS
First free weekend in five with no game scheduled for the Wasps after their cancellation of the game at Blaydon last Saturday

They are back at Mint Bridge on Sunday next weekend (when there is no First XV game scheduled) for the return game against Birkenhead Park. The away game was won very late, so could be an exciting one – hopefully with a full squad to select from

SENIOR COLTS
Away at Wigan