PERTEMPS BEES vs NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

NL1 – Saturday, 8^th March 2008 2pm

Sharman’s Cross Road, Solihull

MATCH PREVIEW

Back in November, when Pertemps Bees (Birmingham & Solihull) travelled to Franklin’s Gardens in the reverse fixture of this tie, Casual Saint began his match preview with the words, “It’s top versus bottom on Saturday…” Fast forward to this weekend and nothing has changed. Saints face a Birmingham side two points adrift at the foot of National League One and staring relegation full in the face whilst Saints sit happily on top of the pile a full 92 league points above them. As such, it is difficult to know what to write when considering a preview as the result seems such a foregone conclusion but let’s try…

Bees have only managed to win three times this season, a statistic which must be bitterly disappointing for a team which finished a comfortable 8^th last term. As an outsider it is difficult to know where the problems lie but the loss of coach Steve Williams to Ulster pre-season cannot have helped their cause. One ray of light them however has been the form of 21 year-old winger Uche Odouza, on loan from Worcester. Touted as the fastest player in National League One he is certainly one that Saints must be wary of. In fact, if you want to see the young man’s talent on show then take a look at this clip on YouTube  to see why he is rated so highly.

For Saints, a rash of injuries has meant that Messrs Mallinder and West have had to mix and match a little in recent weeks but it is gratifying to see the youngsters steeping up to the mark and acquitting themselves admirably. It’s a safe bet to say there would have been some very proud parents at Franklin’s Gardens in the last couple of weeks as the likes of Joe Ansbro and James Cannon made their first starts for the club. It is, of course, also pleasing for the supporters who can see the future of the club appears very bright indeed.

As this is the Saints third game in eight days I expect to see further tinkering on Saturday so will hazard a guess at this team for Sharman’s Cross Road…

Riehana, Starling, Ansbro, Downey, Diggin, Spencer, Smith; Tonga’huia, Hartley, Stewart, Lord, Rae, Tupai, Fox, Easter.

Even though the weather forecast shows a breezy day in Solihull with the occasional shower on Saturday, I’m of the opinion that this will indeed be another comfortable victory for Saints. With Exeter expected to enjoy a similar success against Launceston, come 5pm Saturday all roads will lead to Franklin’s Gardens on the 22^nd of this month for Saints/Chiefs showdown and the home win that will secure the National League One title. Bring it on!

Saints by at least 50.

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