Top four battle for Outlaws

Nottingham Outlaws face something of a “must-win” game on Saturday when they travel to third-placed Coventry Bears on Saturday knowing that a win is essential if they are to maintain their challenge for a top four finish.

It will be yet another tough test of the Outlaws play-off credentials but they will be buoyed by their earlier defeat of the Bears back in April when they overcame the Bears 20-6 in an epic encounter at Highfields and will be looking to complete a double over their arch-rivals.

The Outlaws currently sit in second place in National Conference South, level on points with Coventry Bears but after two successive defeats in Wales the Outlaws need to get back to winning ways if they are to harbour any thoughts of a top two finish, let alone challenge Valley Cougars at the top of the tree.

Indeed with three other teams hot on their heels for the play offs the Outlaws will need to come back from Coventry with something in order to strengthen their position in the top-four.

Prior to last week’s game in Llanelli coach Shepherd had to deal with a host of late withdrawals from his squad but this week he faced the opposite task as a number of stars overcame niggling injuries to return to the fold.

As a result the wily coach decided to draft in a slew of experienced players who missed the trip to the Valleys.

Changes include the return of Reece Needham and Adrian Chaima in the backs whilst experienced scrum half Paul Calland returns and partners Alex Whittle in the halfs.

The forwards also see a number of changes as Si Morton returns to the starting number nine role with Oliver Crick remaining on the bench as utility cover and Dan Smith makes a welcome return at loose forward to add some extra pace and guile to the pack.


Team for Saturday:
1 Adam Cunliffe 2 Jon Christie 3 Jimmy Goodwin 4 Reece Needham 5 Adrian Chaima 6 Paul Calland 7 Alex Whittle 8 Alex Wright 9 Simon Morton 10 Chris Prime 11 Coryn Ward 12 Oliver Dale 13 Dan Smith 14 Oliver Crick 15 Stephen Page 16 Joe Barton 17 Sam Andrews