CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE MIDLANDS PREMIER DIVISION
GLOUCESTER-BRISTOL RIVALRY RESUMES
Having made their best start to a season since 2006, the Gloucestershire Warriors are preparing for the first derby of the season with the Bristol Sonics at Chosen Hill this Saturday (kick off 2.30pm).
After their enforced break a fortnight ago, the Warriors maintained their winning ways last week with a hard-fought 28-16 triumph over Telford Raiders in Shropshire and will welcome the Sonics with their unbeaten record and the leadership of the Co-operative Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier division on the line.
The two sides have met nine times since the Sonics were formed in 2002 and the Warriors have won all of those meetings. The last was back in 2006, when the Warriors triumphed 60-16 on their way to the Midlands & South West division crown for the second time.
Chosen Hill is not a particularly happy hunting ground for the Bristol side, their only win at the ground came in the semi final of last year’s competition when they beat Hainault Bulldogs 38-14 to reach their first Grand Final. However, after two seasons without meeting the Warriors, they approach this fixture from a position of strength.
“The Sonics are a much tougher proposition now than they were when we last played them”, says Warriors Chairman Chris Wilson. “They have followed a very similar path to ourselves; consecutive division championships, a Grand Final and an appearance in the Challenge Cup and now promotion to the Midlands Premier division where they have proved to be very competitive.”
Indeed the Sonics defeated pre-season favourites Coventry Bears 42-20 last weekend at their Little Stoke Park ground and approach this weekend’s game with the confidence of that result in the forefront of their minds.
“That was a good result for them,” said Wilson. “Not just the win but the manner of it. By all accounts they totally outplayed the Bears.”
The Warriors will also be confident having survived a difficult test in Telford last weekend. “I thought our defence won us that game,” said Wilson. “It was intense throughout the match and considering the hot conditions that was very impressive indeed.”
“The team gelled together really well and they certainly played for each other. It was a nerve-wracking game to watch at the time, but looking back, it could be a very important win for us as a team this season.”
“However, nothing is won this early in the campaign and there is still plenty to do if we are to have a successful season this year.”
With numbers at training maintaining a high level, the Warriors will hope to have some of the players who missed last weekend’s game available for selection again.
Both sides look to play an open, running game and it should be an exciting match with not only the points but local bragging rights at stake. “I know Bristol are absolutely desperate to beat us,” said Wilson. “One day they will but we need to keep doing the little things right, treat them with respect, of course, but make sure that Saturday is not that day”.
The Warriors play at Chosen Hill FP RFC, Brookfield Road, Churchdown and kick offs are 2.30pm.
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Chris Wilson
Media Manager, Gloucestershire Warriors RLFC
Tel: +44 (0)1684 850903
Mobile: + 44 (0)7905 931033
Email: gloswarriors2004@aol.com
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The Gloucestershire Rugby League is an organisation for local rugby league clubs in Gloucestershire. Our main activity currently is to promote rugby league through the County and give useful information about our sport to the public of Gloucestershire.
