London Welsh will cross south west London this weekend to take on Wimbledon RFC in round 4 of the Regional 1 South Central campaign.
It may seem almost impossible to be true given the long history of both clubs, but London Welsh have never before met Wimbledon at 1st XV level!
It is fair to say that it has been a poor start to the season for the Exiles, losing two of their opening three games, including a 22-31 defeat at home to Oxford Quins last time out. However, the squad has been dealing with somewhat of an injury crisis in the early stages on the season; an issue not helped by the loss of Jack Anderson and Adan Cole to serious injuries in Round 3!
The Quins match will no doubt have proved frustrating for the ardent Exiles supporters, a game that Welsh were in control of for large parts and led after 70 minutes. Game management will certainly have been a key topic in training this week.
The Exiles opponents, Wimbledon, have got off to a positive start, winning two of their first three games, and with the second most points scored in the league.
A 12-49 win away in Bournemouth helped the Dons move up to third place in the table.
Wimbledon (under their current incarnation) are one of the oldest rugby clubs in the UK, playing their first match against Richmond in 1865. They are also one of twelve surviving rugby clubs present at that famed drinking estbalishmnet when the Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871.
The Dons’ captain at the time L J Maton drafted the first laws of our beautiful game and was also the Union’s third president in 1875.
Welsh will enter Round 4 boosted by the return of several players: Griff Whitson returns to the pack, along with Wales u18 Ben Davies and 6’8 second rower Ed Couzens. Jack Burnett is also available after injury in Round 1 and will be pushing for a spot at hooker. In that back line Daf Manley makes a return and centre Ewan Gully will be in contention having come through the Druids match on his return to rugby last weekend.
Welsh will be looking to kick start their season and look to maintain some continuity in selection as injured players start to return.
Kick off is once again 3pm and entry to Wimbledon RFC is free!
we look forward to having you with us for this Round 4 clash!
#coyw
