England star set to make Redingensians debut
Sportsdesk • Published 10 Nov 2011 10:30
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ENGLAND Sevens winger Mark Odejobe is set to make his debut for Redingensians Rams in the National Three South West game at Newbury on Saturday (3pm ko), writes Nigel Sutcliffe.
The former Under 20 international was with London Wasps from 2006-2010 before joining Championship club Esher but suffered an Achilles injury earlier this year.
After an operation Odejobe, 23, has had a period of rehabilitation at the Old Bath Road ground this summer and suffered no after-effects following a recent game for Gensians seconds.
Rams are also boosted by the return of fly-half Shaun Brown from injury which allows Will Clarke to switch to full-back against his former club in the absence of top try scorer Jevon Marsh.
Gensians meet Newbury in the league for the first time in 20 years - and since then the fortunes of both clubs have been a real roller-coaster.
Even as recently as 2005 the West Berks club secured promotion to the English Division 1 while Gensians struggled to avoid the drop to the county league - six levels lower.
However the subsequent loss of a major sponsorship deal triggered Blues decline and the Berks rivals face each other at the same level again with Rams in third place and Newbury bottom of the table without a victory.
But the Sonning men are not taking this derby clash lightly.
Head coach Mike Tewkesbury said: "We can't afford another defeat. We've already lost to leaders Bournemouth and second-placed Chinnor.
"I know Newbury have been struggling but I don't take any notice of previous results this season. It all depends on how well we play.
Probably he will be satisfied with a repeat of his side's 54-19 Berkshire Cup victory over the Blues at Monk's Lane last March.
READING ABBEY
ABBEY have a full squad available for the visit of improving Buckingham in South West One East this Saturday, writes Mike Mellor.
Arun Gupta and Lee Waite will prop with Paul Emery likely to be hooker. With Tom Bryson and Simon Allison in the second row, Abbey's pack will be the heaviest of the season capable of giving their talented backs a supply of possession.
Fourth from bottom Buckingham started the season with a string of losses, but they have found their form. Their last outing provided a shock win over lead leaders Coney Hill, before that they drew with Maidenhead and romped to a high scoring win over Swanage and Wareham.
Abbey skipper Keith Wilkinson is under no illusions admitting that Buckingham have always been a difficult side to beat, remarking on their similar style of game plan, but usually with more ball through a heavier pack.
"We'll match them up front this time round and after a week's rest, we're up to continue where we left off - winning," said Wilkinson.
With a pre-match lunch of past players, the team will want to show the old hands what modern rugby is about.
On Sunday, Abbey's successful Colts side take on Southampton based Trojans in the third round of the National Cup at Rosehill (2pm ko).
The core of the young team have been together for a number of years and are keen to make this there best year ever despite injuries preventing Abbey putting out a full strength side. Coach Ian Machin says they have good cover for all slots and he plans to go through to the next stage.
READING
IT'S a clash of the bottom two teams in South West Division One on Saturday as Reading take on bottom club Olney (Sonning Lane, 2.30pm ko).
Olney are stranded on just four points while Reading, second to bottom on thirteen points, are just a point behind the two above, Buckingham and Reading Abbey. With those two clashing on Saturday, this really is a 'must win' game for Reading, who will be hoping to match the bonus-point win Abbey had against Olney two weeks ago.
Player-coach Rob Sweeney returns at fly half to partner Richard Lester for the first time this season, with Clinton Gibson moving to full back. With Mike Gubb also returning in the centre, Reading's strength will be in the backs and Sweeney will be looking for quick ball for them.
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