After a break, lasting an extra week for some players, the PWR returns to normal.
Fixtures
Saturday 23 November
Loughborough Lightning v Leicester Tigers, 14.00
Bristol Bears v Trailfinders, 14.00
Sunday 24 November
Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs, 12.00
Saracens v Quins, 15.00
It’s Gloucester-Hartpury’s turn to be deprived of a fixture.
The first contest offers another all-Leicestershire derby, or would, if Loughborough still played at Epinal Way, but they don’t. This will be their chance to get some much needed points in their bag; a single win in five is not what the doctor recommended.
With a midfield reading Rowland-Scarratt-Kelter, their line-up looks formidable. They should certainly have too much talent for Tigers, but will the same starting XV have the ability to take the next step, beat the top clubs? My doubts remain.
At least Tigers can welcome back Roisin McBrien, who captains, Abbey Constable and Tahlia Brody. With Meg Jones installed at inside-centre, Tom Hudson is close to parading the strongest line-up avalable.
Bears are likely to record another victory, though they may not find Trailfinders such easy meat as Tigers did a fortnight ago. Dave Ward must be anxious for his team to prove they can take on allcomers in all conditions at home or away. In other words, to become much more consistent. At their best they look like trophy winners, but a current 3-2 record is a disappointment. Maybe Hannah Botterman’s appointment as vice-cqptain will provide the necessary extra something.
TF have yet to put together a pack capable of dominating the opposition through the 80 minutes. They have skill aplenty, but without the certainty of first-phase ball, they are too vulnerable to leaking points.
Sunday
In the first Sunday game it’s Chiefs’ turn to see if Sharks can gain a first victory. For all the undoubted advance in standards throughout the league, the gap in attainment remains worryingly wide.
If their present position is a worry for the Sharks’ management, it must be an even bigger one for the PWR committee. They don’t want to see this disparity remain a moment longer; the question is how to narrow it? I for one have no answer beyond the unspeakably revolutionary – and it may be illegal too. I offer a further related thought below.
Taylor Perry’s return to Sandy Park reminds me of the bygone saying about Cornish crowds flocking to Twickenham to see their county team win the County Championship again: ‘Would the last person to leave Cornwall (Canada) please remember to turn the lights out?’ Only my version isn’t so cheerful. PThe drain on Canada’s local resources becomes even greater; no wonder large crowds didn’t turn out in Vancouver when their biggest stars had been operating over 2,000 miles from home.
The last match brings two old rivals together yet again. Quins have run into some tasty form, four wins on the bounce. But it’s doubtful they can advance that to a straight royal flush at the StoneX. If they can, that will give the league table just the jolt it needs. They are missing Ellie Kildunne at the back again.
But Sarries’ line-up looks as formidable as ever. The experience they possess alone – in characters like Marlie Packer, Poppy Cleall, Sarah McKenna and Lotte Sharp – should hardly need the extra boost they’ll get from their fervent supporters.
Afterthought
James Cooper has announced his selection of Under 18 players for the coming campaign. You can see it @ http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/20/james-cooper-names-england-u18-training- squad/
What I find worrying about this list of 35 players is the geographical distortion it offers. They come from seven of the nine new Player Development Group (PDG) centres. We aren’t told which two are missing, but a glance at the home regions reveals another disturbing lack of northern representation.
Of all the locations listed, regions, counties, towns, colleges, I can spot only one that can be fairly deemed to be in the north of England, Lancashire.
This reflects all too closely the imbalance seen at elite level.
