Blackburn come into the game in the unlikely position of sixth in the table, eight points behind Stockport in fifth, having played one more game than most above them, and sitting only a point clear of Newport (Salop), so could have been seventh if Newport had won their game in hand (which of course they wouldn’t have, as it is against us !), and only five clear of Penrith who have a better points difference, so if results go against them this weekend, could be in eighth at Christmas.

After their shock 56v0 mauling by Anselmians on the opening day (less of a shock now with Anselmians doing so well until recently), normal service seemed to be resumed winning the next five, four of with try scoring bonus points, including a 31v43 win at Mint Bridge. However since then they have lost five of the last six, and the win at home to Newport (Salop) was only by a point. Whilst many of these were difficult games away to the better teams with strong home records, last weekend’s 43v16 loss at Stoke was certainly unexpected.

So is this a good time to be playing Blackburn – or will they be desperate to stop the rot and run in a big win ? They will certainly want some points in the bank with their season finishing with games against the current top four.

For us more of the same, after good performances against Penrith and Rossendale, but need to turn possession into points. If we had against Penrith we would obviously have won, whilst last weekend adding a try or two and avoiding the mistakes which gifted a talented Rossendale team several of their tries, and there could have been another (well deserved) shock result.

TEAM :

Just the one change from last weekend.

No Mark Carruthers, so Dafydd Philp comes off the bench to the wing left wing, Dan Shorrock moves to the right wing and Tommy Calvert to the centre. Anthony Gage comes in on the bench

For Blackburn only four players did not start against us in Kendal (plus all three on the bench) , but lots of positional changes

WEATHER :
Another one of those days when it could be anything.

The forecast for game time appears to sunny spells but also a high likelihood of light rain.

OTHER GAMES

After the string of surprise results last weekend, where the only losing team to get bonus point was Birkenhead Park (playing a Wirral team in third), could there be more this weekend ? I have gone for all home wins (hopefully we can break this ?)

Despite missing out on a daunting trip to Rossendale, Anselmians have lost the last two, but both were tough games against Wirral and Manchester (at home), so despite Stoke’s great result against Blackburn at home last weekend, they won’t pull off a second ?

Newport lost at Stockport last weekend, whilst Leek had an unexpected (?) big win over Penrith. Can Leek do it away ? We hope not !

Manchester had the good win at home over Anselmians last week, whilst Penrith were losing heavily, but I have gone for the 3G giving Penrith a win.

Surely Rossendale will run in a big score when top meet bottom ?

Finally two teams doing well at the moment, so I have gone for home advantages giving Wirral the edge.

SECOND XV
Away at Sandbach who are currently in 6th place with 5 wins from 11 games

WASPS
No game until 5th January when they make the long journey to second place Driffield, who just squeezed past the Wasps in their opening game.

Could be an interesting one. The Wasps have played more games than any other team, but their position is artificial due to the points deduction against Blaydon. Whilst that would have been a tough one, if just a few more of the first team regulars had been available at Southport, they would surely have picked up the points ?

JUNIOR COLTS
On holiday until 19th January