Third time lucky for Reading?

Published 4 Feb 2010 20:00 0 Comments

READING will be hoping it is third time lucky when they once again undertake the long trip to Barnstaple for their National Three South West clash on Saturday.

The Green Machine have twice made the long trip to North Devon, only to find the game called off on both occasions.

But with an improved forecast for this weekend, they will be hoping to finally get out on the field.

Reading have been forced into eight changes from the side that went down 47-10 to Taunton last weekend due to the absence of several players.

Captain and number 8, Dan Phillips, is fit again and will play, while Joel Uluikede comes into the second-row.

Andew Grierson starts in the front row, Jon Cranton moves from Number 8 to blindside flanker and Adam Veale moves from blind to openside.

Sam Speight takes Sean Lynch's slot on the right wing and Kyle Routley and Andy Silvey will now take over two of the three replacement slots.

Team manager Kevin Rackley said: "The players know how important this game is. We hope the weather holds out."

Meanwhile Redingensians are without a league game, but take on National Three South West basement boys Maidenhead in the Berkshire Cup on Sunday.

The Old Bath Road men go into the clash full of confidence after a late Tom Allen try secured a 27-23 at Exmouth last weekend.

And they have received another boost as veteran Warren Milne makes his comeback from serious injury for the tie at Maidenhead (2.15pm ko).

Milne, 42, has recovered from an operation on a broken neck and is named at blindside flanker as the Old Bath Road men bid for their third successive county final.

Brunel University pair Mike Burn (no 8) and Sam Randell (winger) are set to make their senior debut alongside at least nine players with National Three South West experience this term.

Even though they are without a league match this weekend, coach Alun Rise (pictured) admitted Gensians are not fielding their strongest possible side for the cup clash.

He explained: "The cup is not our main aim, but the tie gives a chance for some of the lads to show what they can do."

Relegation threatened Maidenhead are also unlikely to be at full strength, following their clash at second-placed Old Patesians on Saturday.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 04 Feb 10

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