This week sees the 2nd XV make the cross-country excursion to Wharfedale. Always a tough place to travel to, and for many a young player a tough place to get home from too!
The 2s will be full of bluster and confidence following two excellent performances at home; a hard fought victory over Driffield and a dismantling of West Leeds last weekend.
They do, however, lose a couple of outstanding performers to the 1st XV this week, with back row forwards Charlie Mason and Jason Hignell making the move into the squad to play Newport (Salop). They do bolster that backrow firepower though, with the inclusion of Sam Sumner, fresh from his 1st XV debut last week. There will also be a welcome return up front for Joe Carrington, an ever-present in the starting line-up and a real leader of the team, on and off the field.
Sheffield travel to take on a team that remain unbeaten in league action this season. The “Foresters”, as they are known, have posted some impressive early season scores to top the league. It will be of concern to Sheffield that Wharfedale’s home form has been exceptional, with demolition jobs done on every visitor, Yarnbury (59-24), Doncaster Phoenix (72-10) and York (39-3).
This aside, Sheffield know that they are capable of threatening from anywhere on the park, with a backline that has shown endeavour and creativity throughout this term. Miles Langdale has made an impressive return to the club, a Number 8 as a Colt, his transition to Full Back has been seamless. The perennially dangerous Gaz Morley continues to prove his worth as an exceptional Club Man, a 1st XV regular last year, developing others around him in the 2nd XV this year. One of which is Ed Topley, who continues to impress in his evolution from Colts to Senior rugby.
There is also a welcome return for Stephen Hare, who suffered a worrying injury when playing against Yarnbury earlier in the season. Great to see him back in action.
This promises to be an exciting match up and one in which both teams will be wary of the strengths of the other. There will be key battles in every position and there is excitement and creativity laced throughout both squads. If you can make the journey, it will be well worth it.
Good Luck Boys!