Midweek Preview – Another big midweek in store

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As we enter the final few weeks of the term the midweek schedule is getting fuller and fuller as schools look to get their fixtures in.

This week is now exception, with a glut of fixtures across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with some big names involved too.

Tuesday

St Edward’s Oxford host Radley College for their big derby game. Radley were soundly beaten 31-0 against Bedford at the weekend and will be looking for revenge.

They have jumped between some poor results and some exceptional results this season and will be determined to get back to winning ways against a St Edward’s side who have also been a touch on the inconsistent side this season.

Also on Tuesday, Haileybury travel to the Leys in search of a victory. Haileybury have been on the wrong end of a few results this season but have been trying to play an exciting brand of rugby and it might just pay off in this match.

Wednesday

Three big NatWest Cup fixtures are scheduled for Wednesday and will dominate the scene in all probability.

The holders, and back to back winners, Dulwich College travel to Eltham College in what will most likely be the most hotly anticipated fixture on the card. Dulwich lost at the weekend to Whitgift while Eltham won 40-0 but Dulwich will not let that affect them and will be the firm favourites to progress to the next round against Felsted.

Dartford Grammar are scheduled to take on Langley Park in London & South East A. In a section that also includes Whitgift, St Benedict’s, Hampton, Campion, and St Joseph’s both will be determined to take victory in the hope of later securing a tie against one of these major names.

Finally, Oakham take on Leicester Grammar School, with the winner playing The Perse in the next round. After beating Oundle at the weekend, Oakham will be feeling confident of victory.

Outside of the Cup there are three other eye catching fixtures on Wednesday; Welbeck v Ellesmere, St Benedict’s v Latymer Upper, and RGS Lancaster v Manchester Grammar School. With RGS Lancaster v Manchester Grammar looking particularly competitive.

Thursday

There are two belters scheduled for Thursday; Cranleigh v Wellington and Oundle v Bedford.

Cranleigh v Wellington ought to be very interesting. Both have looked excellent this season, with Wellington among the handful of the very best in the country.

However defeats to Hampton and Epsom on successive Saturday’s may just have weakened the aura a little, though midweek victory over Sedbergh ought to leave no one in any doubt about this side’s quality. Cranleigh will challenge them though so Wellington will have to perform to get their much desired win.

Oundle v Bedford is another that ought to thrill. Bedford put fifty points on Oundle in the opening week of the season and have demonstrated that they are capable of that type of performance again with a 31-0 victory over Radley on Saturday.

Oundle were rocked by that result and have struggled at times this year. However they have also had some standout results, including a huge victory over Rugby, and have demonstrated that on their day they can do the spectacular.

On balance though Bedford will go into this as favourites, particularly given the memory of that opening day victory.

Thursday will also see Sherborne travel to Sexey’s and Downside play a young Canford side, while Eastbourne and Hurstpierpoint’s match ought to be a game that is well worth watching.

Midweek Fixtures & Predictions (in bold):

Tuesday

St Edward’s Oxford v Radley College

The Leys v Haileybury

Wednesday

Dartford Grammar v Langley Park (NatWest Cup)

Eltham College v Dulwich College (NatWest Cup)

Oakham v Leicester Grammar (NatWest Cup)

Welbeck v Ellesmere

St Benedict’s v Latymer Upper

RGS Lancaster v Manchester Grammar School

Thursday

Cranleigh v Wellington College

Eastbourne v Hurstpierpoint

Sexey’s v Sherborne

Downside v Canford

Oundle v Bedford

SHARING IS CARING!
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