Match Preview

Rochford Hundred hand debuts to three youngsters this weekend

By Chris Phillips

ROCHFORD Hundred will be handing debuts to three youngsters at Bedford Athletic tomorrow.

Mitch Fielder and Luke Avda-McPherson will both start for Rochford while Charlie Hopkins has been named on the bench.

And head coach Danny Cleare is pleased to have them involved in his injury hit squad.

“We’re really happy to give three debuts to three really talented youngsters,” said Cleare.

“We lost three backs from last week’s team, so there is no Tauren (Henwood), (Matt) Needham or Sonny (Gay) this week, but we give Mitch Fielder and Luke Avda McPherson their first team debuts.

“We also have another debutant in Charlie Hopkins who comes onto the bench.”

Rochford go into the game sitting second in the Regional One South East standings after beating Hertford 47-40 last time out.

And Cleare was delighted with the victory.

“Saturday was a really pleasing win,” said Cleare.

“The first half was as well as we’ve played for a while.

“Our attack was fast paced and our defence was equally efficient.

“The second half was a lot scrappier, but it’s another five points and, despite the long injury list in the backline, we’ve found a way to win.”

But Rochford will again be without a number of players this weekend “Unfortunately we lost Nathan (Lockwood) to a broken leg last week, and this week we lost Tauren (Henwood) to a broken shoulder, so it feels like someone has a voodoo doll on us at the moment.

“But credit to the boys because they’re staying focused and adapting to the injuries well.”

And that means Hundred will be on a high heading into Saturday’s clash.

“Every win builds confidence and there is definitely a feel good factor around the group at the moment,” said Cleare.

“If we can get the win this Saturday going into the week off I think we’ll be really satisfied with the first block of fixtures.

“Then hopefully we’ll be welcoming back Cappo, Spivey, Sonny, Needham and Mark all into that backline ready for Shelford.”

Bedford Athletic go into the game sitting ninth in the 12 team table