RAMSEY have had some encouraging results over the past few weeks and last week’s win against Liverpool Collegiate saw them ease out of the South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two relegation places.
Things are, however, likely to be tougher this week with a visit to third-placed Dukinfield, who are unbeaten at home. To make life even more difficult for Ramsey, a number of players are unable to make the Tameside trip which will mean a large number of team changes.
In the second row, the big impact pairing of John F. Watling and Max Singer are both unable to travel and with back up Will Wren at Twickenham, it is likely that an untried pairing will be used. Kicker Fintan Cummins is also off to Twickers and with centres Aneurin Pritchard (arm) and Craig Long (back) on the sick list, new pairings at half back and centre will also be needed, as well as a goal kicker.
On the plus side, Peter Verrall had a trot out for the seconds last week and with Luke Robertson playing a blinder in the Blues’ back row, first team call-ups seem a distinct possibility. Dan Bonwick seems a logical choice for the number 10 shirt and Andy Cleator is a more than adequate replacement in the goal-kicking department.
With fourth and fifth place Vagabonds and Liverpool Collegiate playing each other, Dukinfield will see this game as an opportunity to maybe carve out some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack and they’ll no doubt be looking for maximum points. Ramsey, however, travel to Manchester with nothing to fear and are capable of surprising on the day.