The Berkshire side’s play-off hopes took a further hit with defeat at Blackheath last time out, but the Director of Rugby believes there is much to play for.
First up is the team they have played most of their current rivals, the sides facing off 15 times.
And in a weird quirk, Stortford won the first five, lost the next eight before taking the past two.
Bishop’s form this term has been equally streaky.
After winning their opener, they were beaten seven times in a row before defeat of Rams began a five-match purple patch.
Hosts hope to restart own streak
Four losses followed, but they have triumphed in their past two, including an impressive success against Sale FC.
And Seb said: “They’re a very decent side with a real physicality to them. They are playing decent rugby.
“We’ve played them for years now and it’s always been a good challenge from when we went up to National Two.
“Hopefully we can break the latest streak, but it’s going to be a difficult contest.”
He continued: “There was some very positive stuff last week and we created opportunities – I’d be more concerned if we weren’t able to fire shots and drifting in games.
“But we’re looking physical, lively, and it’s just about tying it all together with the decision-making.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
Rams were again hampered by losing the first half at Blackheath – the ninth time in the past 12 games it has happened.
The DoR admitted there are things to improve, though said: “You can argue about slow starts, but we’ve had a couple of games like Clifton where we’ve raced into an early lead.
“It’s been a season of ups and downs, but we expected that.
“(Captain) Max (Hayman) has pulled the boys together and challenged them to get the most from these last six games.
“We’ve got a load of things we’re working on in terms of our go-forward attack, keeping the flow in play and playing off medium to slow ball.
“I’m incredibly pleased with the group and when they’re on it, we play some wonderful rugby. I’m excited to see how we go.”
Baker, Hodgson and Grundy start
Rams make three changes to the starting line-up with James Baker starting on his record-equalling 457th appearance.
The tight-head levels former Sedgley Park centre Matt Riley as the leading one-club performer since professional and semi-pro league rugby began in England and France.
Elsewhere Ollie Hodgson and Rowan Grundy form a new half-back partnership.
The latter last played in the No. 10 shirt in the final-day victory at Esher in April 2023.
In the pack, Harry Stone swaps into the second row from blind-side flanker, Liam Elston moving the other way.
Seb explained: “It’s just a little tweak. Liam’s shown good form and we want to take a look at him at six, while Harry’s got a couple of elements he’s working on.
“We feel it will work in the second row and he always brings his physicality and work rate.
“We’ve gone for Rowan at 10 which is a bit different, but he’s done it for plenty of years and it’s water off a duck’s back to him. Where he plays doesn’t bother him.”
Powerful Vasu primed for debut
Army ace Tom Vasu could become the 38th player to represent Rams this term with the powerful centre named among the substitutes.
“Tom’s been great since he came on board for a trial from Windsor,” commented Seb.
“His commitment to the game and passion is there for everyone to behold and he’s been fantastic.
“He’s got a lovely attitude and fights hard.”
Despite sitting sixth in the table, a sell-out lunch and large crowd are on the cards, with the head coach keen to reward the Ramily for their support.
He ended: “It would be wonderful to have OBR as loud as possible. We want to bring the crowds in, create a product everyone’s proud of, but also be playing meaningful games for promotion.
“We want to get to The Championship, but we’ve always done it our unique way which is blooding younger players.
“At the moment we’re mid-table, but everyone has stayed with us throughout the year and we do deliver exciting matches!”
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