The Weekend Preview - Football Frenzy

By Brian Dick on Dec 4, 09 02:14 PM in Rugby

It's not often I am happy to watch rugby in 95 per cent empty football stadiums but I can honestly say I'll be delighted to be at the Ricoh Arena this evening.

If I really get a taste for it I could find myself at Reading FC's Mad Stad tomorrow and the Memorial Stadium, home to Bristol Rovers, on Sunday.

I wonder if anyone's ever become a member of The 92 Club without watching a game of football.

But back to Coventry. Just another week down the Butts really, unpaid tax bill, administration (no, liquidation, no neither (Who knows?)), unpaid players and all the rest. How do they fill their time over there?

Well they'll fill this evening beginning the second half of their Championship campaign and hoping they'll be around to finish it.

Moseley will be looking to reverse the 5-6 win-loss ratio from the opening section and in doing so have a crack at winning the promotion play offs.

And Bees, it's a bit early in the year for green shoots you know, will look forward to playing and then not playing Bristol again in a season with more twists and turns than a Dan Brown rewrite of a Tolstoy classic.

Meanwhile Stour continue to power their way through the most expensively assembled packs in the community game - that'll sting a few down at Stourton Park. At least they do so in a proper rugby club.

Anyway back to the football grounds, wonder if we'll see much kicking this weekend?

Coventry v Bedford (Friday, Ricoh Arena, 7.45pm)
The game is going ahead, isn't that enough for you guys? Maximum respect to the players who have been left high and dry and a big well done to Cov City Council.
It's not every day the local authority get some love - and those not interested in rugby might wonder why they're underpinning the Blue and Whites with tax-payers' money - but most right-minded people will be grateful.
I've only had one view of Bedford this season and was not especially impressed, I think if the Cov forwards really do believe in the dream, they could win this one for their team.
With my prediction record in tatters I might as well go for a passionate home win and a display that sneers 'You dare shut us down'.

Prediction: Coventry by 7
Last week's prediction: Coventry by 10
Result: Coventry by 45

London Irish v Worcester (Madejski Stadium, 3pm)
Having started the season playing with an impish and magical approach characteristic of a leprechaun, Irish are as dull as they come now. Even as dull as Worcester.
Their last three Premiership matches have produced no tries and I can't say I tip Jonny Arr and Willie Walker to win the battle of the half backs.
With Alex Grove on the bench and Sammy T looking more like a Pocket Locket than a Rocket there's not much spark about the backs.
Which means Walker will kick three or four penalties and Worcester will lose to an interception or charge down.

Prediction: Irish by 7
Last week's prediction: Saracens by 9
Result: Draw

Moseley v Cornish Pirates (Saturday, Billesley Common, 3pm)
I will no longer refer to Ian Smith's men as Mose. Given the fact they only turn up for the second half it's 'Seley from now on.
They have got to sort out the poor starts that have ended their cup campaign before it even began and have led to some harsh criticism from their supporters.
And it's no good claiming such things only happen in cup matches. Anyone remember the no-show on the second game of the season when 'Seley were 38-0 down in half an hour?
Coincidentally that came against the Pirates, so safe to say 'Seley should not be short of motivation. But will it be enough?
I suspect it will because when they are on their game Moseley are a very decent side and with Andy Borgen at full back they have more muscularity and two kicking options.
If they can play down the slope in the opening period, kick for the corners and put the pressure on, it will be enough to get over their recent problems.
'Seley to win, Mason to lead the way and Andy Reay to score a rare try.

Prediction: Moseley by 10
Last week's prediction: Moseley by 7
Result: Ulster by 11

Stourbridge v Otley (Saturday, Stourton Park, 3pm)
Neil Mitchell cannot hide his glee that in Andi Lawrence and Simon Homer, Stour have 43 stones of power anchoring their scrum. No wonder they hold their own.
With 6ft 6ins, 18st Ramsey Dean to add his weight to the back row Mitchell might need a low-loader to get his forwards on and off the pitch.
But they got gassed in the backs last Saturday and while there is less prospect of that happening against Otley, the Yorkshiremen will know where to attack.
Not that it'll do much good, a rumbling bonus-point victory is on the cards for the hosts.

Prediction: Stour by 17
Last week's prediction: Scottish by 7
Result: Scottish by 14

Bristol v Bees (Sunday, Memorial Stadium, 3pm)
Even Eternal Optimist of the Year Simon Hunt admits this one could be messy. Bristol, refreshed, recharged and looking to bring it home get their turn at battle-worn Bees.
The recent influx of players has brought some hardy personalities into the squad and whatever happens Bees will fight.
But with a lack of quality in the midfield and a total breakdown in defensive cohesion there's just too much to worry about and as long as they don't get sucked into a bunfight, Bristol should have a comfortable afternoon.
Expect community coach Hunt to grab one against his daytime employers, though.

Prediction: Bristol by 28
Last week's prediction: Cardiff by 25
Result: Cardiff by 31