Heathens chase Petersfield upset

FAREHAM HEATHENS visit Petersfield on Saturday looking to avenge their 31-8 Hampshire one defeat earlier in the season,which left the Cams Alders outfit riled.
Steve DevoySteve Devoy
Steve Devoy

Despite the fact their hosts are second in the league, head coach Nick Davis believes Heathens are capable of causing an upset.

‘We know Petersfield are a strong, disciplined outfit and they’ll be up for it,’ said Davis

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‘Despite this we have a squad of players that play to win and never back down.

‘If we put into the game what we know we can, then we’re more than capable of getting an away win and sending a statement to the league that we’re not done yet.’

Adrian Taylor looks set to start as hooker for Heathens, while winger Steve Devoy makes his return from a shoulder injury.

It’s a competitive squad and the players are competing hard for shirts at the moment.

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‘Uncharacteristically we find ourselves in mid-table following a season of real change,’ said Davis.

‘The hunger is still there, though, to provide wins through stylish, controlled rugby’

Locks Heath Pumas travel up the A34 to visit high-flying Overton.

‘Overton appear to have struggled recently against teams you’d expect them to dispatch easily,’ said Rich Rigby, head coach at the Pumas.

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‘So we are looking to take our new strategy on the road and cause another upset.’

Rigby has been unable to field his first choice side all season due to injuries and unavailability,

‘That’s just amateur sport in this country!’ added Rigby.

‘All clubs are suffering, some worse than us.’

The return of Will Quigley, at blindside wing forward, and an encouraging performance from the tight five last time out is fuelling expectations of a possible upset.

‘If we can secure enough ball for the backs to do what they do best, we can win,’ said Rigby.

‘Everyone knows their roles and what is expected of them, it is now down to execution on the field.’

– KEVIN RICKETTS

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