Great X-pectations (From Swindon Advertiser)

Great X-pectations

7:00am Friday 16th December 2011 in Rugby By Andy Warren

ALEX Robinson will be looking to show his teammates he has the X Factor when he returns to the Supermarine side to face Bradford on Avon tomorrow.

The full-back missed last weekend’s victory at Bath Saracans after being dragged to Wembley Arena by his girlfriend to watch the final of the hit ITV talent show, but will be back in the side for the home clash with Pete Mabbott unavailable.

“He has been given a bit of stick about that,” said joint head coach Sean Millwaters.

“But not everyone knew about it until Saturday when they all asked where he was, and we told them he was watching the X Factor.

“He was only going to be on the bench for that game because he was coming back from injury, but even still he has got his fair share of stick.”

Millwaters is expecting a forwards-orientated game against the side immediately behind them in the Dorset & Wilts 1 North table, but is hoping his side will come away with the points.

“They (Bradford on Avon) don’t score many tries but they don’t concede too many either, so they obviously know what they are doing. It will be a tough game because they rely on their front five a fair bit, but we need to be going into it thinking we can win.”

By contrast, Wootton Bassett captain Gary Williamson is determined his side will not abandon their principles and continue to play attractive rugby.

Bassett beat fellow promotion chasers Grove 18-15 last time out as they looked to run the ball at every opportunity, and face another of the Southern Counties North’s leading sides, Milton Keynes, tomorrow.

With wet conditions and soft ground set to favour the teams playing for territory over the next few, Williamson is hoping their exciting brand of rugby will continue to see them challenge at the right end of the table.

“We will try not to change the way we play, and we are still going to be looking to move the ball wide and run the ball, even if the weather is not the best,” he said.

“We are pleased with the run we have gone on and we want to keep it going. It is important for us to beat the teams around us, and that will mean we can be in a good league position.

“It is a bit early to be thinking about promotion, so we will see where we are with four or five games left of the season and take it from there.”

Elsewhere in Dorset & Wilts 1 North, Fairford host Trowbridge 2nds and Minety are at home to Swindon 2nds. Cricklade take on Corsham 2nds in Dorset & Wilts 2 North.