Dearne Valley RUFC 1st XV will continue their push for promotion this weekend, as they travel away to local outfit Wortley RUFC. Dearne Valley have played Wortley a total of two times within the last 18 months, once in the merit league last season and once at the start of this seasons league campaign. Whilst Dearne have ran out winners on both occasions, they have never put in a complete performance and always find to have trouble navigating the stern Wortley defence. This weekends fixture is set to be a similar tense affair as Wortley look to bounce back from their loss against neighbours Stocksbridge last weekend.

“Wortley seem to be a bit of a bogey team for us, both times we’ve played them whilst a few late tries may have made the final score look comfortable the game itself has been far from it” said captain Ben Hartley. He continued, “They are a better team than their current league position suggests and we always enjoy playing them and look forward to meeting them again this weekend.”

In the front row, Adam Cooke returns for the first time since November to join last weekends front row pair Ant Hamilton and Alex Baxter. In the second row, Andrew Thorpe will partner the returning Anthony Kenney. Archie Adams will make his first start at open side, with vice-captain Todd Bailey putting on his familiar number 6 jersey. Arron Kite completes the back row at number 8 after a fine performance last weekend against Hessle.

Alex Roebuck and Stephen Shaw maintain their growing partnership (and romance) at scrum half and fly half. Callum Emery will make his first start for the team at inside centre in the absence of Steve Mason, with captain and last weekends Man of The Match Ben Hartley shifting one position out to number 13. Sam Holt and Jack Duggan will be looking to continue their try scoring runs on the wing, with Jacob Mangham wearing the 15 jersey for the second time this season.

On the replacements bench Rob Moore, John Williams, and Corey Hurley provide cover for the forward pack. Jason Eagle will be looking to make an impact in the midfield and Luke Robinson will be looking to make his mark in the back three at some stage in the game.

Kick off is at 2:15pm at Wortley RUFC, Finkle Street Lane, Sheffield, S35 7DH.

STARTING XV
1. Alex Baxter
2. Ant Hamilton
3. Adam Cooke
4. Andrew Thorpe
5. Anthony Kenney
6. Todd Bailey (VC)
7. Archie Adams
8. Arron Kite
9. Alex Roebuck
10. Stephen Shaw
11. Sam Holt
12. Callum Emery
13. Ben Hartley (C)
14. Jack Duggan
15. Jacob Mangham

FINISHERS
16. Rob Moore
17. John Williams
18. Corey Hurley
19. Jason Eagle
20. Luke Robinson