So I suppose the Brummies will content themselves with a gentle jog-out against us this week in order to rest and rehabilitate their top XV in preparation for their Twickenham appearance.

This would also have been informed by the fixture congestion that has built up for the Billesley Commoners, with the resultant requirement to play five matches in the space of two weeks, a requirement that would stretch the abilities of a team with Exeter's playing numbers. No way could they possibly expect to put all their efforts into the league game against Leeds. A five pointer clearly is guaranteed and with barely a bead of sweat broken on the brows of Yorkshire's Finest.

Well of course that's hogwash on both counts. It's never a bad time to beat the league leaders, so Moseley will undoubtedly put out a strong team, and that would have held true even before the news of the FDR finally relenting on their intransigence on the end dates for the league. Moseley's extraordinary good cup run has now not been punished, and they will be able to do the sensible thing and play matches weekly rather than daily!

Another couple of things that will add a great deal of fight in the Moseley side are that they won, and won well, against the only side still in with a chance of taking the Division 1 title away from us, who of course is Exeter, and of course that they have the threat of relegation to repel. They are fighting for their lives in the future Championship, needing every point on offer, and Leeds had better make sure there are no points on offer at Billesley Common this Saturday. Win the mental battle, and the points on the board will take care of themselves.

We saw this at Headingley last week, with the plucky Pirates wilting in the final 10 minutes of the match, but no Leeds supporter will want to have to wait that long for the coup de gras. What will do nicely will be a thirty point lead after twenty minutes, with a further burst just after half-time to put any thoughts of a home-team comeback well and truly out of their minds. Then home and away fans alike can settle back and enjoy the spectacle with no worries about the inevitable outcome. Oh if only it were so straightforward! We may have put Moseley to the sword all too easily in the past, but we'll have to work hard to maintain that impressive record against the Brummies. But Leeds are on the up again after the dip that saw us lose so badly to Doncaster, and I expect the confidence instilled in them by the dramatic four-try win last week will send them on their way to do the job again.

Whatever the margin though, and whoever the victor, one thing is for sure; Moseley are one of the most welcoming rugby clubs playing in the league structure, and it is always a pleasure for Leeds fans to visit this fine old establishment. The people, the players, the committee, the supporters are all clearly great rugby fans and traditionalists, and part of the pride of their club is to provide a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere in which to enjoy the game of rugby football. I do not expect our travelling masses to be disappointed by their experience.

I don't need to exhort you all to enjoy the game, as we previewers so often do. I think it will be impossible not to enjoy it this week. Moseley Rugby Club will see to that.

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