Returning old boys pose stiff test for Birmingham & Solihull

Nov 14 2008 By Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM & Solihull are in for one of their hardest games of the season when a Cinderford side containing some familiar faces arrives at Sharmans Cross Road this weekend.

On paper the National Two favourites should be well capable of handling opponents who have already lost four times this term but the presence of returning old boys Paul and Dave Knight have added an element of unpredictably to the fixture.

The brothers had been connected with Bees for eight years until they were forced out by the club’s switch to full time rugby in the summer and tomorrow they come back to the venue they made so inhospitable as hosts, looking to cause an upset as visitors.

Former Bees captain and forwards coach Mark Cornwell will also be in the Cinderford line-up and Russell Earnshaw knows the Gloucestershire outfit will not be short of motivation.

“We’ll get their best game,” the head coach said. “Sometimes your hardest matches are the ones you don’t think are going to be hard but with this one we have seen it coming. The Knight brothers will be up for this game but every week you play against someone in this league who you know.”

Bees moved into second place with a convincing display at Southend last time out and are hot on the heels of leaders Redruth. A fifth consecutive win would put pressure on the Cornishmen in their difficult meeting with Tynedale.

Earnshaw will be able to recall Jim Jenner following the veteran No 8’s recovery from neck spasms. That will see Adam Clayton slip back to the bench, otherwise Bees are likely to be unchanged.