Match Preview

U12 Tigers make the trip to Eversley & California FC this Saturday. Contrary to popular "bants" - the editor's down with the kids - Tigers face just one team, based between the M4 & M3, about as far to the south-west as this League extends, nominally in Hook but probably Finchampstead (or Eversley), definitely not California which, given the current cold snap, is a disappointment. It's a thriving club, although one of their U12 sides did fold just before the season started, which has probably added to the strength of the Pumas; something worthy of consideration for our five teams perhaps?

It is the first time these two teams will have met, so there can be no expectation based on history. The Wildcats managed to postpone their fixture in September - how in the hell did they do that? - ed - so there's no help from the rest of our Club either.

However, Eversley & California are currently sitting fourth in Division D, three points off the top with a game in hand. They put nine past bottom-placed Bracknell Athletic in their only previous game at home and their only defeat was 0-3 at League leaders, Windsor Youth. The Hampshire border is a tough place to be going for a Tigers team in search of its first win.

Tigers welcome Ilyas to the line-up for the first time this season. Once again, school commitments deprive us of Henry, and Toby finds himself devoting his considerable muscle to rugby this weekend. Sadly, Eli, who made such a great impact at Holyport but clearly lacked match-fitness, has withdrawn during the week owing to family commitments and his father's illness. We hope Dad gets better soon.
After the enjoyment, if not success of playing four at the back and rotating everyone through various positions at Holyport, it is hoped that the boys can use their increasing tactical awareness to grab that first win of the season.

See you when Saturday comes...