Away games don’t come much harder than free-scoring Old Northamptonians in Midlands One East.
That’s the task facing Spalding RFC on Saturday (2.15pm), though, as they bid once again to grab a first league win of the season.
Rock-bottom Town, who have lost all nine of their games, aren’t expected to upset the odds against an Old Northamptonians side that have run in more points (357) than anyone else in the division.
Spalding skipper Harry Sharman, who isn’t now expected to play again until 2015, has reiterated his desire to see the side improve their performance and attitude – with winning games not currently the number one priority. The skipper hopes his side are refreshed after a free weekend and is expecting to see some kind of improvement.
He said: “A weekend away from rugby never does any harm, so hopefully it benefitted the lads.
“As I’ve said previously, the concern from now on is to improve our performances. Some of the guys haven’t done well enough this season.
“Attitude wise, we’ve gone down a level from last season – so that’s what we’re hoping for.
“It’s been a below par season to say the least, but there’s a certain way to play the game – and we’ve not been doing it right.
“It’s obviously a very hard game for us. We’ll be underdogs, but I just want to see the lads turn up and apply themselves properly.”
As well as Sharman, Spalding will be without Cyprus international prop Alex Ioannou, who has work commitments.
His place will go to Pete Waudby, who has been one of the few to really catch the eye in an otherwise lamentable campaign.
Ryan Chappell, who has now fully recovered from the injury he picked up at the start of the season, will again captain the side.
