Barns Green looks to bounce back after a disappointing result against Lewes.
After Barns Green got the season off to winning ways against Ditchling, it's been a difficult ride since. A loss to Hove 3s on the road, followed by a walkover win against Jersey, and then a home loss to Lewes has been a sobering experience for the green and gold so this weekend will be paramount to get their season back on track.
Steyning is having a really tough start to their season with 3 losses from 3 however write them off at your own peril. Historically, this game has always been close with only one point separating the teams in the same fixture last year. The smaller pitch suites Steyning much more, keeping the play tight and in the pack, not allowing much space for the backs to run.
Barns Green will unfortunately be missing front rower Matt Taylor who has had to retire after suffering from a ruptured Achilles in the loss against Lewes. Equally, they will be without Will Staples who was also injured during last week's game but the severity of his injury is yet to be determined. They will, however, be welcoming back Matt Sercombe, Nick Coulson and Noah Middleton in a much-needed boost to the pack after the injuries sustained against Lewes.
Barns Green will be looking at this game as an opportunity to bounce back and with Steyning struggling it comes at the perfect time. Although sitting second in the table, Lewes are hot on their heels one point behind with a game in hand which just adds to the importance of a win for Barns Green. Steyning are fighting for their first win in the league and there is no better place to do that than at home on familiar ground.
This game last year saw the horrific injury to Stephen Whittington who broke his leg towards the end of the game and is still yet to make a full recovery. With that in mind, it felt written that the week of the very same fixture a year on, he and his wife Rachel welcomed a baby boy into the world. A good omen perhaps but one thing is for certain, with both teams desperately needing a win, this game will be huge.
Kick Off: 2.15pm
Location: Steyning Leisure Centre