By Sarah Tunney
August 10 2005

After training three nights a week most weeks since the beginning of July, the Bees are preparing for they’re first pre-season friendly this Saturday when we welcome Stourbridge RFC to Sharmans Cross Road (3pm).

Bees fans will get there first chance to watch this summers signings in action as the debutants look to impress as they take to the field against local National Division Two club Stourbridge.

A number of games have been organised to prepare the Bees for the huge first game of the season against Harlequins with the Stourbridge and Cardiff (27 August) at Sharmans Cross Road, with a trip to Wales in-between.

The two clubs have strong ties with Alan Hubbleday, Tom Jordan, Paul Meadows, Trent McMurry, Gordi Houston and Andy Gravil all having spells with the Bees

A number of new players including centre Adam Billing, Adrian Oliver, Guillaume Scheuller and Cae Trayhern are all expected to play a part in the pre season friendly, which is expected to be played in four periods of 20minute quarters.

Those looking forward to seeing international flanker Tu Tamarua and player coach Ben Harvey will have to wait a little longer though as Tamarua, who is joining us from Rotherham, is in New Zealand, and Harvey is away on holiday.

Commenting on this weekends match, Director of Rugby Phil Maynard told local press "We've trained well so far but the players are itching for some game time now,"

"We'll try to give everyone some match time, particularly some of the triallists that have been with us for the last month. But it's also a chance for us to see how the new signings are settling in and to work on our match fitness ahead of our opening league game against Harlequins."