Rugby

Machin calls for level heads as Abbey return to the league

By Marl Keogh
November 16, 2012

A change of mood from the exuberant county cup win will be required if Reading Abbey are to continue their winning streak when they host Alchester tomorrow (2.30pm).

Last week’s 111-13 win against Hungerford, the highest in Abbey’s history, will have to be forgotten to ensure the players are in the correct state of mind for a serious league match against Alchester.

Coach Ian Machin says his men will need to keep their feet on the ground, and play a structured and disciplined game to get a result and stay top of the table with an unbeaten record.

Alchester, who will be making their first ever visit to Rosehill, started their league campaign in fine style.

They won their first three matches, making people sit up and take notice.

But the bubble burst and three losses ensued, until a narrow win last time out against Olney steadied the ship.

Abbey welcome back a number of players who were not able to play in the cup.

Tom Waterhouse returns to skipper the side from full-back, Arron Ross returns in the centre, as does Joe Murphy at fly-half, following his debut for Berkshire Under-20s last weekend.

The pack sees the return of Jake Mollet to the front row, Danny Pawlett to second row and impact ball carrier Steve Willis to No. 8.

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