Woodford RFC vs Civil Service
Woodford RFC vs Civil Service - Saturday 14th April 2007 KO 3 PM
Woodford take on table topping Civil Service on Saturday in what promises to be an exciting game of champagne/”Spanghero” rugby. With Civil all but promoted and the Highams men safe from relegation, there will be a festival atmosphere at the Woodford ground as we welcome the leagues top scorers to the Highams.
Unfortunately for Woodford, two of their star performers over the past few weeks will be unavailable. Back row Grandfather Jamie Phillipson is enjoying himself in New Zealand and second row man Gooday decided not to hit the nail but smash his thumb instead and so will watch from the sidelines. Civil service dished out a hammering of their own the last time these sides met and Woodford will be looking to gauge how far they have come since that defeat. Narrow defeats away to both Tring and Tabard and the win over Chingford suggest that Woodsmen have the quality to challenge the leagues top sides but Civil represent the toughest test for Woodford.
Civil have dominated the league and have amassed 607 points so far whilst conceding a miserly 231. Whilst the Servants are able to boast a powerful pack, it is their back line that has taken them to the top of the table, scoring a total of 69 tries. Their top try scorer Tom Sumner has crossed the line 12 times this season and comes into the game on good form, having breached the Chingford defence last week to score the decisive try in an important win for his side.
Woodford will of course be skippered by fly half John Dwight. His gym work is really starting to pay off, but will his guns be big enough to shoot down the Civil back division? Ronnie Cobble will be starting at eight and will be hoping that his keen nose for the try line is in good working order following his two scores against Norwich. Inside centre Niall Moody will be looking to continue his good form with another barnstorming performance. Question marks remain as to who will be his partner in the outside centre berth but they will have to keep their wits about them to shut out the powerful Civil back division. In other news, we welcome both Sean Mullins and Red Newberry to the starting line up. Both of these young players have performed admirably this season when called upon and deserve their chance to catch the eye of the Woodford coaching staff for the start of next season.
With the weather promising to be around 25 degrees, it is hoped that a big crowd will be present to celebrate Civil’s promotion and most importantly that London 2N rugby will be played at the Highams next season. Kick off is at 3PM.
