Strong United team named to face Combination XV

Comeback match
By Duncan Wood
December 9 2002

Julian White returns from suspension and several other first teamers will be looking to make an impression tonight. The United face a Combination XV at Clifton RFC this evening. Kick off is 7:30pm.

It's actually a very strong United team with Peter Thorburn giving several first teamers a run out after injury.

Ross Beattie, Lee Best, Matt Carrington, Andrew Sheridan and Ben Sturnham were all on the bench versus Swansea on Saturday although only Beattie saw competitive action. All will benefit from some match time.

Martin Shaw also had to drop out of the first team squad recently with a slight injury and he'll be keen to prove that he's back to 100% fitness.

It's an interesting looking front row as well. Andrew Sheridan will prop on one side and Julian White makes his first appearance after his 10 week suspension. He'll be pushing for a first team recall this weekend.

Saul Nelson did himself no harm in his second half appearance against Swansea and he'll also be looking to stake a claim.

There are also quite a few youngsters on display with Jon Clarke (possibly), Duncan Heyward, Paul Hodgson, Matt Styles, Richard Hunt and Chris Morgan starting. The bench is also packed with U21s.

Note also former U21 skipper, Stean Williams, who has contacted the club after a stint in Australia.

Lee Best, Jon Clarke/Jamie Williams, Martin Shaw, Duncan Hayward, James Bailey, Matt Carrington, Paul Hodgson, Andrew Sheridan, Saul Nelson, Julian White, Matt Styles, Richard Hunt, Ben Sturnham, Chris Morgan, Ross Beattie.

Replacements: Chris Rowland, Joe Horn-Smith, Richard Martin-Redman, Stean Williams, Greg Nichols, Ross Laidlaw, Dominic Jones.