The Weekend Preview - Round Four

Worcester v Sale (Sixways, Saturday, 3pm)

Despite what happened at Adams Park there's more purpose about Worcester this season.
A big game from Netani Talei and Phantom Pant-Puller Sammy T and Sale are there for the taking.
But they've got to keep ball in hand. Mike Ruddock said they're going to try to get back to their off-loading game and that would be brilliant.
If Chris Latham can get back to his brilliant best he would spark the backs who would then be playing as well as the forwards.
The Sharks have been a bit toothless once again this year, the signs are Kingsley Jones isn't going to be do a PSA and for that reason I'm going for a home win.

Prediction: Worcester by 7

Last week's prediction: Worcester by 3
Result: Wasps by 20 :-(

Moseley v Doncaster (Billesley Common, Saturday, 3pm)

Ian Smith has definitely got his men moving in the right direction, the question is, though, is it quickly enough.
Nothing I have seen so far this season suggests Moseley are in for anything other than a bottom four finish.
On paper they are ahead of where they were this time last year, on the pitch they are behind and my fear is they could run out of road.
Smith needs to get big performances from his big performers, Terry Sigley, Andy Hall, Rob Thirlby otherwise it could be Donny who end their win drought.
With just 12 teams in the division Doncaster are the kind of team Moseley must start beating on a regular basis.
I'm going to back them to do it this time but only because I remember how they raised their game last season.

Prediction: Moseley by 3

Last week's prediction: Nottingham by 5
Result: Nottingham by 11

Launceston v Stourbridge (Polson Bridge, Saturday, 3pm)

There's no let up for Neil Mitchell's men who have performed creditably against Sedgley and Cambridge.
Mitchell thinks this is the most winnable of a sequence of four matches against the top sides although I'm not sure.
Park Lane is not as forboding as Polson Bridge if only because of the distance.
If Barkley and Billig play Stour have a chance, if not, then probably not.
But that chance is still going to be an outside one and I can't in all honesty tip Stour to win.

Prediction: Launceston by 10

Last week's prediction: Cambridge by 4
Result: Cambridge by 24 - oops

Nottingham v Bees (Meadow Lane, Sunday, 3pm)

I was less impressed than usual with Nottingham at Moseley last Saturday, they really miss Joe Duffey, Dan Montagu and Tim Molenaar.
However they were still good enough to leave Windy Alley with a win and will be stronger at home.
Bees are going to be quite difficult to predict this season. Clearly they enter every game as underdogs but like Newbury a few years ago the way they break the match up gives them a fighting chance.
Bristol got sucked into a game of Sevens and Bees will try to do the same to Notts.
Their problem is who they pick at fly half. There are very severe concerns about Ricky Aley's defence and Rod Petty's consistency.
As a neutral non-paying spectator I'd go for Petty because footballers like him should be cherished.
However, once more I can't say in good faith I think Bees'll win.

Prediction: Nottingham by 17

Last week's prediction: Welsh by 10
Result: Welsh by 25

Cornish Pirates v Coventry (Camborne Rec, Sunday, 3pm)

I think the Pirates could be the real deal this time, there are those at Coventry who disagree. Dry weather, flat track bullies is their verdict.
But you don't win at Donny and Nottingham without doing something right and the media chaps in the West Country are raving about the club's new coaching set up.
Cov are pretty happy with their squad too and Phil Maynard thinks a big win is just around the corner, possibly even this weekend.
I'd love to believe but I just can't quite. CP are fast and Laurie McGlone, Carl Rimmer and Rudi Brits will be furious.
Pirates pace will overcome Cov power - just.

Prediction: Pirates by 7

Last week's prediction: Exeter by 14
Result: Exeter by 14 :-)