Pertemps Bees -v- NEC Harlequins
03/09/2005 3PM
Sharmans Cross Road
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Match Officials: Martin Fox, Trevor Fisher, Martin Buck
Wow! Tomorrow will be a record-breaking, interesting day for National League 1, whatever the outcome of the match itself. Sharmans Cross Road is likely to have its highest ever attendance figures (although the fact that we haven’t sold out yet surely shows the apathetic nature of locals), and all eyes elsewhere around the National League grounds will be firmly fixed on the result coming from Solihull.
And what of the result? Surely on paper the Quins should walk it. A score akin to one that Warwickshire will be aiming for at Lords might even be on the cards. But on the 29th of February 2004 the London Wasps, English Champions (and European Champions of that year), should also have walked it. They didn’t, and history will never forget that day.
The Quins will be no means find it easy. Bees have a fighting spirit second to very few. When Phil and Whitey get them fired up, they are a match for nearly anyone in this land. We have signed new players. Former England try-machine Tom Beim has joined from Viadana and has already ran in his first hattrick of the season. He will most certainly be a match for Ugo Monye. Tu Tamarua, former Quin will be looking to make his mark by hitting some big tackles.
The Londoners have also made a couple of signings and a few of their names may be recognisable. Andrew Mehrtens, one of the greatest point accumulators in the history of the game, winner of 70 New Zealand caps (despite being a Bok ;-) and general legend will be lining up at outside half. Mike Worsley, former England prop has recovered from a back injury. Could he be given a hard time of it by the beast of a man (and Samoan prop) Reuben Leilaiu. The Quins back row has two of the most experienced players of the recent history of the game. Andre Vos, former South African captain and Tony Diprose who has ten England caps.
On the bench, they will have Will Greenwood, former England and Lions man and Tani Fuga, long time Quins player.
The Bees preseason has been somewhat irregular. After beating Stourbridge in a storm, they went on their regular Welsh trip and lost narrowly to Bridgend before having their match with Pontypool abandoned. They then entertained Cardiff back at Sharmans Cross, in a high scoring slaughtering in which many of the team impressed. Quins have played well against Saracens in which they lost narrowly and in beating Bristol.
Whatever happens, the game is sure to be absolutely belting and definitely one to remember.
Other Matches:
Coventry v Sedgley Park, 15:00
Doncaster v Cornish Pirates, 14:30
Newbury v London Welsh, 15:00
Nottingham v Rotherham, 15:00
Otley v Bedford, 15:00
Plymouth Albion v Exeter, 15:00
Also- Remember that parking will be strictly limited. I would recommend parking in the Sharmans Cross pub and walking up if you absolutely need to bring a car.
The predictions league is now also open. Please predict away!
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