No fear for Swindon (From Swindon Advertiser)

No fear for Swindon

8:10am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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SWINDON coach Neil Loader insists his side have nothing to be afraid of as they entertain runaway league leaders Amersham & Chiltern in Southern Counties North tomorrow.

The Buckinghamshire side have lost just one league encounter this season, and having recently reinforced their already impressive roster with a number of southern hemisphere powerhouses, Swindon could be forgiven for going into the match slightly in awe of their guests.

But Loader’s in-form outfit have crept into their element as the season has gone on and their stylish, free-flowing style of rugby could well present high-flying Amersham with a few problems.

“We shouldn’t be fearing anyone in this league,” said Loader.

“We know what to expect from Amersham and we have to do what we can to counter that.

“They’ve brought in a few big new guys, but I have no doubt that whichever side we put out on Saturday will do a job.”

The Greenbridge Road chief welcomes several key first team names back into the selection picture for the clash, but after the admirable performances of their deputies in the 31-24 defeat of Grove last time out, some will be made to settle for a place on the bench.

Whilst Andy Morley and Connell Knott both return to the starting 15 with Fraser Brown reverting to full-back, Neil Maycock and Scott Chapman will feature amongst the replacements as Loader looks to keep his entire squad motivated as the season meanders to a close.

“We’re not going up and we’re not going down, so a large part of it is making sure everyone is happy and content and wanting to stay and play here next season,” said the Swindon coach.

“The guys who played last week did very well and a few of our big guns haven’t been able to make training.

“The team I’m putting out may not necessarily be the strongest available but it’s all about trying everyone out at this state, and they’ve proved they can stand up to the test.”

Supermarine have the chance to prise a gap between themselves and a condensed mid-table when they travel to Sutton Benger in Dorset and Wilts 1 North tomorrow.

Just a single point separates the sides occupying the positions between fifth and ninth in an evenly-balanced division at present, and victory this weekend could see Marine open up important breathing space with the end of the campaign on the not-so-distant horizon.

Player-coach Sean Millwaters revealed how he and head coach John Godsell have been working during the week on drills to counter the powerful Sutton Benger ball-carrying forwards.

And the scrum-half is of the opinion grit and determination levels will decide where the points end up come five o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s the same scenario again as it has been several times recently,” said Millwaters, who was part of the Marine side which overturned Wootton Bassett 2nds last time out.

“It will be a very hard game and we know that, but it will be down to who wants it more on the day.

“They have some big guys up front who have a powerful running game, but we’ve been working on drills during the week for that.

“We’re looking to go out there with a different defensive outlook.”

Marine will make two changes from the side which beat Bassett ahead of the encounter.

Gary Trevet returns to number eight, with George Cowley having to settle for a place amongst the substitutes. Paul Prentice comes in from the wing to inside-centre to cover for the injured Sean Higgins, whilst Luke Knapp fills Prentice’s berth out wide.

Swindon College Old Boys manager Martin Peaple believes a win over Harwell in the Berks/Bucks and Oxon Premier tomorrow is critical as his side look to secure third spot.

Peaple’s squad will be unchanged from last weekend’s home loss to league leaders Broadmoor Staff, and the Old Boys boss emphasised the importance of a positive return from their trip to the second-bottom team.

“We have to win and we have to win well if we want to finish in third,” he said.

“It’s about momentum and this is a really important game for us with a couple of difficult fixtures left afterwards.

“We lost last weekend, and now we need to get back to winning ways.

“Any slip-up at this stage could see us go from third to seventh.”