Hopkins predicts close clash

Published 16 Dec 2009 16:54 0 Comments

BRACKNELL head coach Ken Hopkins is predicting fireworks when fellow promotion chasers Old Albanians travel to Lily Hill Park for a must-win National Three London clash on Saturday.

Just five points separate the two sides heading into the final match of 2009.

This means a bonus-point win would be enough to see Bracknell pull level with the Old Boys side in the table before the mid-season break.

But Hopkins is refusing to get carried away and believes the mouth-watering clash is too close to call.

He said: "It is the final game before Christmas and we are five points behind them.

"In an ideal world we will take maximum points and they will not get any and we will jump ahead of them in the table.

"But we are very aware of the form they have been in since they beat us earlier in the season.

"Two weeks ago they went to Havant and won 33-0 - that was an excellent result.

"But we are very strong at home and it all points to a close encounter."

Back in September Albanians condemned Bracknell to their first defeat of the season when they won 10-6 in St Albans.

Since then the Hertfordshire side have won 10 out of 11 games, their only defeat coming against runaway league leaders Jersey.

In November they did not concede a single try and shutout three of their four opponents -an acheivement which saw them named World Rugby magazine's team of the month.

Hopkins believes his side are more than capable of upsetting the Albanians' apple cart, though. And is looking for his players to learn lessons from September's defeat.

He said: "Earlier in the season we gifted them a 10-0 head start and they defended exceptionally well.

"We have to play for 80 minutes this time.

"They have a very powerful pack, their front five in particular are very strong.

"And they have a kicking fly half who will try to control the game."

Hooker Matt Surman is expected to be available after missing out on Saturday's win at Diss.

However, Bracknell will be without the services of experienced flanker Graham Sparks, with Michael Clark or Leo Bailey likely to deputise.

Another player also likely to turn out for the Lily Hill Park side is new signing Tim Diack.

He made his debut at Diss on Saturday and Hopkins is hoping he will make a real impact at the club.

He said: "He is from New Zealand and is one of Jervis Manupenu's friends.

"He looks like he will be a very useful addition to out squad.

"He played on the wing on Saturday, but he can also play in the centre, so he will give us some more options."

Tweet

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Screen Name *required

Email (not displayed) *required

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @bracknellnews