From Redruth to Newport, from Barnstable to Hinckley. We have faced some long away trips this season, with Exeter typically nowhere close to any opposition. However, we finally arrive at our final trip of the season with a long drive up to Leicester Lions ahead.

With a 3-week break, and just one game in the last month that Saturday XV have been starved of action as of late, however with back-to-back games and a rescheduled fixture still to play there is still plenty of rugby to play.

That most recent game was a trip to Old Redcliffians, for what is considered in the southwest a local derby. Both teams fought hard right till the end, with Old Reds’ halftime advantage being nullified by the boys in the second. It ended 24 a piece, with it being our first draw this season.

The last 3 weeks have allowed the boys some extra preparation for what is bound to be a tough test. After securing the league title a few weeks ago against Loughborough, the Lions now know they are playing Nat 1 rugby next season.

TOMORROW’S OPPONENTS

A relatively new team, Leicester Lions were founded in 1998 and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year. They were created because of a merger between two local clubs: Westleigh RFC and Wigston RFC. They boast many notable names in their past including England international Louis Deacon and Billy Twelvetrees and Leicester Tigers stalwart Brett Deacon. The biggest name of the lot though is world cup winning captain Martin Johnson.

Leicester Lions have been at this level of rugby for several years having been promoted from the Midlands Division 1 back in 2005. Since then they have steadied themselves in the 4th tier of English rugby, rising slowly from the bottom right up to the top. Last season they managed a 4th place finish behind Esher, Redruth and Clifton, however, this year has gone from strength to strength. A 33-5 victory over Loughborough meant the league title would be coming to Westleigh Park, and meaning they would play in the 3rd tier for the first time ever. The most notable results on their way to promotion include doing the double over 2nd place Clifton and racking over 50 points twice.

TEAM NEWS

With such a big fixture coming up on Wednesday for the club, Rich Hodges has gone into this one not wanting to risk anyone for the BUCS Finals. From the Old Reds clash, only Morris stays in the front row with Elliott Young back from Scotland U20s and Archie Rolls filling out the rest. Conor Manzi also keeps his place but is joined by the returning Joe Bailey this week. In the back row Josh Throne continues to start and captain from 8 and is joined on the flanks by Jack Stanley and Ellis Baldry.

In the backs, Jake Murray also makes his return from injury, after a long time out. He is partnered in the half-backs by the ever-reliable Jack Park. In the centres, Zack Wimbush is joined by Luke Shuttleworth, the latter making his first appearance of the season. Tom Roberts keeps his starting spot on one wing, with Tom Church coming in on the other. The fullback is another new man, Alex Gozzard.

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