Mathematically, we move into the second half of the league season.
Once again we have a hotch-potch of fixtures, no two starting at the same time on the same day. It’s Lightning’s turn to sit out.
The Big One this week is Chiefs’ visit to North Bristol. The hosts really must claim a home victory if they are to climb within reach of that invaluable fourth place. Put it another way: they need to win every remaining match!
Likewise, Quins’ Sunday game is one they simply must win; it would help too if it was convincing. They have already lost to Sharks away, one of the early upsets of the season. It’s a 100th club cap for Emily Scott, so we wish her well.
Trailfinders need expect little mercy at the hands of Sarries as the two north London sides meet for the first time in NW4. Sarries pre-match festival starts at 10.30, so it’s an all-day entertainment.
Tigers face a Glos-Pury side some way short of full strength, though Sean Lynn would never admit it. No Mo Hunt, Zoe Aldcroft, Kelly Taylor, Mia Venner, Rachel Lund or Tatyana Heard; Emma Sing on the bench. But they still look way stronger than the Midlands side, for whom Meg Jones plays like two people. Their starting XV is noticeably lacking in EQPs. Once more, I have to question the quality of the signings they made pre-season.
Fixtures
Saturday 3 February
Leicester Tigers v Gloucester-Hartpury, Welford Road, KO 12.30
Bristol Bears v Eexeter, Shaftesbury Park, 13.00
Saracens v Trailfinders, StoneX, KO 14.30
Sunday 4 February
Quins v Sale Sharks, Twickenham Stoop, KO 15.00
Bye: Loughborough Lightning