HIll only 50/50 for Bath second leg clash

By Jason Harris
April 24 2003

Saracens, England and Lions flanker Richard Hill is rated as only 50/50 for Saturday's Parker Pen Challenge Cup Semi Final second leg tie at the Rec.

The club's official website said on Thursday morning that Hill was the major doubt for the trip to the Roman city as Saracens look to build upon the eight point cushion they have after the first leg at Vicarage Road.

Hill, who has not played for The Men in Black since before England's Six Nations campaign is joined on the injury doubt list by Tim Horan and Kris Chesney, though the club admits that it is likely that the centre and no8 will take part in the match.

With probably Sarries most important game since the 1998 Tetley's Cup Final - the vital Zurich Premiership relegation showdown with Birstol - just three days later, Sarries head coach Wayne Shelford may have to decide which game holds more significance and this could well influence his selection for the trip to Bath.

Bath, meanwhile, have been boosted by the news that Lions back three player Iain Balshaw is fit again after a long injury lay-off and will start for the West Countrymen. Another possible starter will be Elvis Seveali'i, the Samoan who scored two vital tries at Vicarage Road to haul his side back into the tie.