Match Preview
In the first of the day's Academy Park doubleheader, the 2nd XV will take on Edinburgh University 3rd XV in a scheduled 12pm KO prior to the 1st XV game at 2pm. This week's 2s selection features 8 players who've played 1st XV rugby this season, highlighting the competition for places at the club when availability is as it should be. With an experienced pack including the evergreen Ben Place and Willie Cook, skipper for the day Andy Mac, and loosehead Conor Kerr returning from injury, there should be the platform for an exciting looking backline to run the ball. As well as Cook and Place, Marcos Teixeira and George Easdon, both in need of more minutes, drop down from last weeks' 1st XV squad. There is also a glimpse at the future, with debuts for Harry Nicholl and Andrew Dickson in the backs. George "I wish we played students every week" Lees lines up at blindside flanker, while Lucas Shearon returns to the centres from parenting duties.
Should be a cracker, so get down early to cheer the boys on.
Meanwhile for the 1st XV, this weekend sees the final game of the first portion of the 2016-17 East 2 season, after which the league will split into a top 6 and bottom 8 to conclusion. Having now played everyone but the Medics, and following Saturday's 44-24 defeat at Dalkeith, Leith are disappointed to have a top 6 finish outwith their own control. In order to compete in the Championship (2A) section, a bonus point victory is required, whilst also hoping that Edinburgh Northern emerge without any points from their home fixture with league leaders Broughton. Our visitors have had a fairly successful first season in East 2, sitting just 3 places behind Leith in 10th position going into the weekend, and come off a 25-14 victory over Liberton in their last outing, on December 14. Whatever the outcome on Saturday, the first 13 games see Leith looking to finish the 2016-17 campaign strongly, and to that end, a big home crowd cheering the boys on will go along way to supporting this aim.
Get down and cheer both teams on!
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