In a long-awaited face-off, the Bournemouth Lions are set to lock horns with the newly promoted Marlborough, rekindling a rivalry that has lain dormant for years. This clash promises to be a spectacle across Dorset & Wilts as the only two teams from Dorset and Wilts in the league.
Fresh from a hard-fought battle with Bracknell last weekend, the Lions are hungry for redemption. They’re not just seeking a win; they’re on a mission to re-establish themselves as a powerhouse in the league. Despite a few players nursing injuries, the return of key figures has injected a new wave of hope into the squad.
A special Lion’s den welcome awaits Ryan Woodford and Euan Tremlett, both poised to make their debut. Their raw energy and unbridled determination could be the game-changer that propels the Lions to a resounding victory.
Head Coach Dan Connolly’s side have put in hours on the training ground, dissecting every detail of their previous encounter with Bracknell. The return of Johny Young, Ben Goodall, and Joe Desmond is expected to shore up the scrum, an area that showed vulnerability in their last match. In the backline, Grant Hancox’s shift to scrum half, filling the void left by the still-injured Harry Warr, showcases the adaptability of this Lions squad. Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of Josh Sanchez, a rising star and the son of former coach and player John Sanchez.
The Lions’ game plan is clear: maintain their attacking flair while bolstering their defence to keep Marlborough at bay. Marlborough, having secured one victory out of two games this season, bring a mix of confidence and determination. Their performance at home against Brighton demonstrated their potential, but a loss away to Tunbridge Wells serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. With Viliame Waqanidrola and Joe Pittams showcasing their prowess in recent matches, Marlborough arrives with a point to prove.
🕒 Kick-off is set for 3 PM at the electrifying Chapel Gate. 🕒
But that’s not all; the excitement spills over to the Nomads and Wanderers as they kick off their league seasons. The Nomads embark on a road trip to face Andover in what promises to be an epic battle. Meanwhile, the Wanderers venture away to take on a fired-up Swans squad, hungry for redemption after a grueling pre-season clash against none other than Bournemouth. Both Nomads and Wanderers, much like the Lions, are battling through pre-season injuries, yet they rally their strength in numbers to field three formidable sides.
Expect nothing short of fireworks as these spirited teams ignite the league season. The Chapel Gate showdown is only the beginning of what promises to be a sensational weekend of Rugby. Kick off for Nomads and Wanderers is at 3pm.
