Round 5 of the Oilsplus South West Rugby Competition sees a local derby for the Yabbies’ Ladies Day 2019. This week the Young Yabbies take on the Harden Red Devils at the home of Young Rugby, Cranfield Oval.
Whilst there’ll be some definite changes to the way things run for the day, with the range of festivities organised by Events Co-ordinator Nick Duff and his team, there aren’t too many changes to the team that Coach Ned Mullany has named to take the field this week.
The Forward Pack
The Front Row remains unchanged again this week, with Hooker Will Munday being flanked by Loosehead Prop Hagon Williams and Tighthead Prop Tom Wills. The Second Row this week is changed with Hamish Kaveney partnering up with Rowan Daley, who is replacing the injured Dan Dowson. Two of the Yabbies’ “Kelpie Pack” are maintaining their spots on the side of the scrum in Dan Parker and Dan O’Connor. Tom Kent is set to return this week, and is expected to lead the pack from the back in the No. 8 position.
The Backs
The Backs this week will be commanded, as usual, by Captain Brendan Shoard as Flyhalf, with his partner in crime this week is the one and only Michael Hudson as Scrumhalf. The Centres remain unchanged with Jesse Pittman and Nick Schiller firmly cementing themselves as Inside and Outside Centre, respectively. Another change this week sees the new recruit Owen Griffiths find himself running on for the Yabbies on the Wing, with Beau O’Connor maintaining his position on the other Wing. The French Recruit Thomas Dudek remains the top candidate for the Fullback position.
The Bench
This week the Yabbies’ First XV will be complemented by a string of high-calibre substitutes including Ben Fuller, Jeshua Smith, Ed Brand, Tom Hurley, Carlos Luna, Cooper Green and Konah Miller.
Celebrity Match
Ladies’ Day is synonymous with celebrity appearances, but with the squad this year being so strong in terms of numbers and abilities, there won’t be any celebrities taking the field for the Yabbies in the main event.
Any celebrities looking for a run should make sure they’re at Cranfield Oval by 1.30pm so they can have a run for either the Hilltop Helicopters or the Ballinaclash Balaclavas in the 2pm curtain raiser. This could be a good chance to blow out the cobwebs for anyone looking to have a run in the Old Boys Match in a few weeks time!
Coach Ned Mullany is confident that the squad named has the ability to get another Win on the board this weekend in front of what is expected to be a record crowd at Cranfield Oval. “The boys definitely have what it takes for a game like this. I think there are probably two things that will win the game for either time this weekend which is structure and discipline. It’s not rocket surgery, the team that can maintain their structures will create their own options and the team that can remain disciplined and level-headed will have control of the game.”
The weather is expected to be a bit cooler, with a top of 14°C predicted for this Saturday in Young, but the cooler weather isn’t expected to dampen the festivities planned for this weekend! As always, a Rugby match means that there is a high chance of some delicious cold beers for Supporters on the sidelines and in the Oilsplus South West Rugby Competition it means that is an excellent chance of some highly competitive and entertaining Rugby.
The cooler weather this weekend is a great opportunity to dig out your Yabbies’ supporters Beanie and Hoodie (or Jacket). Or if you don’t have one, come on down and buy one from the Clubhouse!
So, come on down to Cranfield Oval to see the Young Yabbies take on the Harden Red Devils and join in the festivities this Saturday 11th May, with festivities kicking off from 2pm.
Always remember - Saturday’s a Rugby Day!
