Match Preview

After last week’s mud sliding antics and possibly Gilly Howells dirtiest wash basket of the year, we’ve hopefully now seen the last of the rain and storm Dennis. The fact that any rugby was played at all is a surprise given the conditions, indeed the 2nd team referee deeming our pitch unsafe less than an hour before kick and cancelling the action there. Undeterred though, Billy’s thirds still travelled to Lydney and got some game time whilst the firsts, having already won the their game due to Smiths not being able to field a front row, had a splash about with them as they still turned up for a bit of a friendly and one of Craig Rosie’s pasties.

All very well you might say but I wonder if those responsible for looking after the pitches are sharing the wisdom of allowing any play to go ahead as they look at what’s left of the grass. But that of course pails into insignificance when, for many others, Dennis caused much more lasting damage. Not least Lydney RFC, and I applaud Cryptians donation to help towards the damage done to their clubhouse and grounds by the floods on the evening after our game.

But on to this Saturday where thankfully the forecast for Exeter is dry and breezy. This is another big day in Cryptians history and our chance to progress further in the Level 9 National competition. Tribute Devon 1 side Exeter Saracens are the team standing in our way and their record this season sees them currently lying fourth after 9 wins from 15 games. Other than that, we know little about them but as a gauge we do know a bit about the team they beat 12-10 in the last round, Newquay Hornets.

The only other information I could find was that they appear to have a thriving junior section including girls’ teams and more recently have formed a senior ladies side. I can’t even confirm if they run a regular second team, but their website does say they accept apple pay! All very helpful eh?

Regardless, I estimate close to a hundred people, not including the players and coaching staff, will be making the journey down the M5 in a variety of ways which should all make for a noisy touchline and a cramped bar. At the time of writing there were 8 seats left on the main supporter’s coach and only one on the Old Farts coach, so some spaces are still available if needed but by the time this is posted by our editor I’m not sure there will be any left.

Those travelling and particularly those having a breakfast at the club should be ready to depart at 10.30am PROMPTLY if on the main supporter’s coach. Slightly later departure of 10.45am if travelling with the Old Farts once Antiques Roadshow has finished.

Team news sees possibly the strongest squad assembled so far this season.

Starting XV

1. Jake Kellaway
2. Karl Saunders
3. Euan Brice
4. Jack Flounders
5. Nick Stroud
6. Chad Crosby ©
7. Luke Stephens
8. Matt Hurdle
9. Rob Trigg
10. Luke McMahon
11. Tom Brind
12. Connor Jones
13. Jake Hanley
14. Brad Overthrow
15. Joe Langbridge

Impact Replacements

16. Phillipe Brown
17. Aaron Ricketts
18. Toby Harris
19. Gareth Flounders
20. Josh Flounders
21. Gav Worrall
22. Robbie Mustoe
TR. Jake McMahon
TR. Carlo Colucci

We ask you all to be our extra man on the sideline and be the force that drives the players that extra yard to see them through to the next round!

See you all in Exeter!

OCRFC GBTS