Match Preview

This weekend Wirral face their longest trip of the season; that coupled with an early kick-off (2.30PM) means an early start for the Merseysiders.

Billingham were formed in 1924 out of workers from the local chemical works (that would eventually become ICI). In 1996 they moved to their current home and (interestingly, when you note our own 'raise the roof' aspirations) built their clubhouse in 2000 with funding from a £750,000 lottery grant. Billingham were selected for the RFU's 'Rugby 365 Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP)' programme so for the second time this season (the first being at Preston) Wirral will play on the opposition's artificial surface.

Previous games against Billingham have always gone the way of the home side and last October's game in the North East was no exception with the Teessiders winning 35-12. With a positive pre-season and the advent of the AGP most league observers would have anticipated Billingham to have been among the front runners in the league however with two wins and three losses they are one place behind Wirral in 9th position at this early part of the season. With only one win at home, against Morley, and two losses maybe the pitch is taking some getting used to! Billingham will be looking to build on their win away at Sandal last time out and Wirral will be looking for that elusive first away win this weekend; both sides play an entertaining brand of rugby so for those supporters making the long trip it should be a good game and let's hope Wirral come away with the spoils.