Barns Green travel to Steyning for their first game of the season whilst Steyning look to defend their unbeaten two game run.
The start of this season for these two teams couldn’t be more different. Barns Green had to forfeit their opening game against Hellingly meaning they incurred a 1-point penalty. Steyning, on the other hand, has started the season strong with two wins from two and sits on top of the table with 12 points.
You can’t help but realise how strongly Steyning have started this campaign. They saw off Hove on the opening weekend and Ditchling the week after that, both on the road, scoring a total of 52 points and grabbing two try bonus points in the process. However, they have handed out points nearly as much as they have scored with their points difference being +7. This will be their first game on home turf, and they will be eager to build on their early success with a win in front of the home support but will the history and the previous meeting between these two teams play a role?
The last time these two teams met it was an absolute try fest with Steyning dominating the first half of the final game of the season only for Barns Green to come storming back to win 48 – 27. Barns Green was also victorious in the team’s previous two meetings although the games were closer than their end-of-season battle with Barns Green winning 21-7 and 21-10 earlier in the season.
Barns Green haven’t started their season smoothly.
Due to injuries and scheduling, they had to forfeit their opening game against Hellingly and their second game was postponed due to the Royals having flight booking issues so they are yet to play. This does mean Barns Green has had more rest time but also, they are untested. After finishing last season strong with a 10 – 3 record and a +270 points difference, they will be eager to pick up where they left off and make a mark on the league.
This game has always been exciting, and this will be no different. Tries and big hits are a certainty, but the result isn’t.
Kick-off: 15:00
Ground: Steyning Leisure Centre