Millwaters in the dark ahead of derby (From Swindon Advertiser)

Millwaters in the dark ahead of derby

6:00am Friday 6th January 2012 in Rugby By Andy Warren

JOINT head coach Sean Millwaters is hoping his side can start 2012 with a bang, but does not know what to expect when Supermarine take on fellow high-flyers Swindon 2nds tomorrow.

Marine sit only one place and two points behind their opponents in the Dorset & Wilts 1 North table, but remain in pole position for promotion because they are the division’s top first team.

Millwaters’ side ended 2011 in style with three impressive victories in which they scored more than 150 points, but Millwaters knows tomorrow’s game will not be as easy.

“Whenever you play against a second team it is often hard to really know what to expect because you do not know what team they are going to put out,” he said.

“They could be at the mercy of their first team or they could be strong, we just don’t know. But whatever side they have out it will be tough, we can be sure of that.

“We just need to impose our game on them rather than letting them get on top of us, and get the new year off to a good start.”

Millwaters is expecting both sides to attempt to play attractive rugby, but fears it could be ruined by the weather.

He said: “The wind and rain could make it hard for both teams, so I am sure it will be close. I think it will come down to who does better at the breakdown, especially if the weather spoils things.”

Supermarine are expecting a clean bill of health for the clash, but will be without leading try scorer Alan Milton who is getting married today.

Elsewhere in the division, Fairford host Pewsey Vale while Minety travel to Trowbridge 2nds. Cricklade go to Devizes 2nds in Dorset & Wilts Two North.

In the Southern Counties North, Wootton Bassett could welcome back number eight Tim Gallimore who has missed most of the season with a ruptured achilles tendon.

Dan McCarthy and Steve Wells could also return, for a game fly-half John Clarke expects his side to win.

“We beat them comfortably earlier in the season, but they have a big pack which could suit them if conditions are difficult. We expect to win the game, but you can’t take anything for granted,” he said.

Swindon College Old Boys travel to Stow-on-the Wold in the Berks/Bucks & Oxon Premier, looking to build on their last gasp 15-13 win over Bicester in their final game of 2011.

Chippenham visit Weston-super-Mare in National League Three South West.