“THE fixture has had everything over the years.”
Seb Reynolds admitted tomorrow’s showdown with Bishop’s Stortford – the 17th time the clubs have locked horns – promises to be another belter.
The Hertfordshire outfit won the first five before Rams took the next eight.
But the coin has flipped recently with Stortford taking the last three to leave the head-to-head 8-8.
And Director of Rugby Seb said: “We’ve come up through the leagues together and I remember them winning National Two (South) a couple of years before we did.
“They’ve always been a very good side who play excellent rugby, and we’ve always had great games against them.
“Last year they won both, in previous years we’ve done that but they’re always good games.
“We’ve taken hammerings from them, occasionally we’ve done the same and the fixture has had everything over the years. We’re excited about tomorrow.”
Bishop’s began the season with a 52-42 home triumph against Dings Crusaders, but went down on their own patch 61-30 to a resurgent Rosslyn Park last weekend.
Seb does not read too much into that result, however.
He continued: “They took knocks in the game last week and Rosslyn Park put in a decent performance.
“It was just one of those things and the way rugby is going, there are a lot of points scored.
“Week-to-week you must bounce back and I’m sure they’ll be looking to do that, but so are we.”
Fit-again Atkins praised
Rams make seven changes to the side with the front row of Paddy Harris, Max Marshall and James Baker starting in the pack for the first time this term.
Liam Saayman and fit-again Ben Atkins also come in, while Axel Kalling-Smith and former Mini Theo Pett-Ridge are on the wings.
Mikey Duda has also overcome injury to be listed among the potential replacements, while Isaac Tokura could make his debut.
With Atkins set for a first game in nine months, Seb praised his tenacity.
He revealed: “Ben’s done so well to get back. You always know he’s here and he’s certainly not drifted into the background during his injury!
“He’s contributed, had a fantastic attitude and done pre-season well.
“He was excellent against Brunel last week and it’s a mark of him how he responded to a midweek game.
“Ben and Paddy got out there, fought for everyone around them and they were brilliant.
“It’s also great for Theo (to get his first start). The next phase is for him to establish his place in the side because he’s a serious talent.
“Sometimes we’re harsh on ourselves in the way the club’s come on in the past few years and we’re maybe seen as this plucky, club team doing pretty well.
“We’ve had the likes of Vooghty (Tom Vooght), Jamar (Richardson) and Kieran Leicester make it all the way, and Theo’s no different.
“His next step will be to realise the professionalism we now need but he can do that.”
‘Group has outstanding attitude’
With Rams looking for a first win of the season, Seb ended by challenging his players to get the fans loud.
He said: “We don’t demand the right for our fans to get behind us – we must perform to show we’re worthy of getting the backing.
“This group has an outstanding attitude, and we want to get all these exciting new faces receiving the support.
“We’re building good depth and now they need to earn the noise.”
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