Nigel Howle's Rugby Report 18th February 2012

 Local Rugby Union is set to return today with Longton taking centre stage.

The Trentham Fields side face second placed Dudley Kingswinford in the match of the day in National Three Midlands.

Dudley’s visit to the Potteries will seriously test Longton’s impressive recent form which has seen them climb to fourth place in the league and led to them giving champions elect Rugby Lions a scare in their last match.

Fly half Chris Buck is an injury doubt and Longton’s forwards will have to step up if they are to get the better of the visitor’s powerful  pack.

Stoke are looking for their fifteenth successlve league win when they face Bridgnorth at Hartwell Lane this afternoon.

Meanwhile Trentham face Isle of Man side Vagabonds at New Inn Lane.

Trentham have announced they have  secured former Scottish international Doddie Weir as guest speaker for the club’s Players’ Dinner on March 15th,

The recent cold snap has left the majority of our local players without any competitive action in recent weeks.

But players at Leek Rugby Club have found a new way of keeping their competitive edge with players going head to head in the boxing ring. Leek travel  to play Burntwood today.