Match Preview

This week the ODs welcome Eastbourne to Park Langley. A side that finished 5th in the league last year. With only one result of value against us last season, Eastbourne beat the ODs comfortably 21-12 on the league opener.

This year Eastbourne's results mimic the ODs fairly consistently with wins over the same sides, Park House, Aylesford Bulls, Gillingham Anchorians, and losing to Pulborough, Lewes and Haywards Heath. They currently sit 8th in the table on 15 points. Without the ODs points deduction the 1st XV would sit above Eastbourne in the table by one point. As it stands the ODs are on 1 point and sit 11th.

The ODs failed to pick up any points last week which was a shame as almost all the other results were in their favour with loses for all the main relegation battling sides. The only downside came with Park House picking up a bonus point against Lewes. This makes the climb out of the relegation zone that little bit harder, with yet another point to gain to secure safety.

With injuries to certain personnel up front the ODs still see a consistent back line for the third week in succession. Their time to gel is well and truly over and we can only hope that they are firing on all cylinders tomorrow. Jamal Gobir will be hoping to etch the first initial of his name on the Woodward Salver. Currently on 9 tries for the season he remains favourite to win the trophy for the first time. Linval Antonio and Malachi Connolly are hot on his heals, Linval with a little cameo in the A XV to boost his try count, but Jamal is on a run of form that seems unstoppable. Perhaps the softer ground will slow him down.

Everything kicks off a little earlier tomorrow now the clocks have gone back. KO is at 14.30 and we hope as many of you as possible will come down and support.