Posted on Sep 29, 2010 in Rugby News
Moseley Rugby Club is looking forward to its largest crowd of the year with the visit of Worcester Warriors tomorrow (Saturday 2nd October, 3pm kick off at Billesley Common) in the RFU Championship – just one level below the Aviva Premiership.
The clubs last played at 1st XV level in the 2003-04 season when Worcester went unbeaten and were promoted to the (then) Guinness Premiership. The intervening six seasons have been a struggle in the top flight as Worcester tried to come to terms with the RFU Premiership
However spectators will see a significant number of internationals on the pitch this Saturday with Worcester likely to be orchestrated by England fly half Andy Goode who has returned from the Super 15 to aid head coach (and former England Scrum Half) Richard Smith in his quest for an immediate return to the top flight.
The two sides’ seasons to date have been relatively successful with Worcester sitting on top of the table having played 5 and won 5. These weren’t as straightforward as they sound and last weekend Doncaster ran them close at Six Ways where the home side needed a late penalty by Andy Goode to shade the match 30-28.
Moseley had been caught out in the opening game of the season by newly promoted Esher, but went on to win at Doncaster before holding West Country giants Cornish Pirates and Bristol to consecutive draws. (Cornish Pirates 26-26 and Bristol 13-13). Last time out however the always challenging visit to Bedford proved too much for the Red and Blacks who will be looking to get their points tally on the move again as soon as possible.
First time visitors to Billesley will be treated to high quality rugby at an affordable price (Adults £15; Students £6 and Under 16s free) as well as the notoriously welcoming environment supported by a Real Ale Tent and award winning catering.
Of course the real challenge on the pitch will be for Moseley’s part timers to match the star studded full timers from ‘down the road’. Whilst the home side has plenty of experience and no shortage of representative players, the major difference between the clubs is the playing budget assisted by a “parachute payment” from the Premiership cartel which alone dwarfs the playing budgets of other Championship clubs.
However, as with all these ‘local derbies’ the underdog often is able to raise its game and present a major challenge to a side who should (and probably will) get an immediate return to the pinnacle of English club rugby.
Moseley has a major challenge on Saturday and welcomes the support from the people of Birmingham as well as those from further afield– they will have a warm welcome to Billesley Common for what promises to be a fine spectacle. Tickets for the match are freely available on the gate on the day or in advance from the club office.
The Doncaster Knight’s team to play the Bees this Saturday shows two changes from the side that lost at London Welsh last Saturday. In the backs Ollie Goss comes in at centre to replace Chris Briers who is still suffering from the after effects of the stomach bug that he picked up last weekend whilst, in the pack, Stuart Corsar is preferred to Dan Frazier at prop.
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