KEEPING a core group of players match-fit and in-form has been the primary driving force behind Supermarine’s continued pursuit of the top two in Dorset & Wilts 1 North, according to player-coach Sean Millwaters.

Victory over Trowbridge 2nds tomorrow will keep the pressure on high-flying Melksham 2nds at the top of the division, whilst Marine could take over as the leaders’ closest challengers if fourth-placed Chippenham 2nds overcome Calne in second.

And the Millwaters & Co are well set to do exactly that, with a strong nucleus of players pushing each other to their best, if their half-back is to be believed.

“We have only used 25 players in total I think this season, and injuries have not been happening too often,” he said, “That has been a big plus for us, and we just have to continue playing our own game and stick to our plans to keep getting the best out of ourselves.

“We started the season with that idea and we’ve stuck with it, and everyone has played their part.

“We’ve got another big game this weekend, but they all are now.”

That big game comes against woefully inconsistent Trowbridge 2nds. Marvellous at home and with just one win on the road, Trowbridge arrive in South Marston as firm underdogs.

And having beaten tomorrow’s opponents once already this season, in an attritional affair in October, Millwaters agrees his team should have the quality to secure five important points.

“They have been a lot better at home than away, and the fact that we went there and won bodes well for us this weekend,” he said.

“When we were down there they had a big centre, who Jeff Barrett put on his back in the first few minutes and became a link player from then on.

“After that they didn’t look like scoring and we want that to be the case again on Saturday.”

Marine welcome Baz Christian back into the front row for the clash, with Gary Trevett moving to lock. George Crawley will take his place in the back row.