Rugby

Mike Tewkesbury
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Tewkesbury sets promotion target as Redingensians face leaders

March 02, 2012

Redingensians visit National 3 South West leaders Bournemouth tomorrow (3pm kick-off) with coach Mike Tewkesbury warning that his side will need to win all seven of their remaining matches to gain a play-off spot.

He said: “We can’t afford to slip up in the last seven matches – and we have to hope Bournemouth beat second-placed Chinnor.

“But tomorrow’s game is an immense task. We can’t afford to waste chances and have to be vigilant in defence.”

Rams conceded two tries in the first nine minutes against the Seasiders in November and, although they had the best of the second half, they lost 23-17.

The Sonning lads, however, will be in a buoyant mood after beating Amersham & Chiltern 57-17 last Saturday.

In the second half they amassed 40 points and played some of their best rugby of the season despite having a reshuffled back division.

Tewkesbury said: “The boys who came in against Chiltern did really well and some of them will be disappointed if they miss out this week.”

Those could be Jez Flynn and Joe Duffelen, who both scored two tries apiece, whole-hearted lock Sam Hallett and promising back row forward Jack Sawbridge.

Chris Knight is set to return on the wing, while Azza Hopkins resumes on the open side. Owen Root and Jevon Marsh are fit again and on the bench.

Redingensians: Swadling; Knight, Aaron Hopkins, Odejobi, Gosling or Duffelen; Brown, W Clark; Rumble, Rowland, Baker, C Stapley, Amor, Azza Hopkins, R Stapley. Reps: M Clarke, Root, Marsh.