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Hove look to return to winning ways against Henley
Hove host Henley who have started this season strongly and sit one place above Hove in the league
Hove women's 1st XV return to league action this weekend hosting Henley. Originally an away game, the Henley half-marathon has caused a swap in venues and Henley will make the journey to the Rec. Henley are currently sitting in 3rd in the table, only a points difference of 18 separating us and them. Henley had a tough season last year, finishing in 7th position with Hove picking up an impressive 48-7 win last year. They've started stronger this year, winning two of their opening three games and should pose a challenge to Hove who are looking to bounce back from their loss against Cheltenham two weeks ago.
Squad News
Hove name a largely unchanged squad from the team that played Cheltenham - Becca Moreton is unavailable and Lizzie Reading comes off the bench to replace her. Alice Turnbull returns to the squad to take Alex Leeds' place and the backline shuffles around. Becky Piddlesden returns to the team and starts and Jordan Hopkins makes way on the bench. Beth Tetlow, who joined this summer as a brand new player has been rewarded for her performances in training and for the 2nd XV and comes on to the bench. Beth Parry-Evans makes a welcome return on the bench.
Player to watch
Molly Bradbury came back to England in 2015 after living in Spain for a number of years. She's currently studying at Brighton University to become a PE teacher, where she's been playing rugby as captain in the 2016/17 season. In Spain she used to play for CAU Valencia and is part of the Spain 7s Player Development Squad as well as representing Sussex the last two years. Over the past few games, she's won major plaudits for her ferocious defence, single-handedly saving the team from several tries being conceded. A key part of the backline, we're looking forward to seeing the damage she can inflict on the Henley attack this weekend.
The Team
1. Lucy Callingham
2. Lucy Simpson
3. Karin Orford-Kemmish
4. Sam Gottardi
5. Lizzie Reading
6. Becky Piddlesden
7. Hannah Sharman
8. Harriet Dunn
9. Polly Roberts
10. Claire Slater (c)
11. Katy Doughty-Curtis
12. Alice Turnbull
13. Molly Bradbury
14. Emily Swales
15. Hayley Templeman
Replacements
Hannah Doughty-Curtis
Jordan Hopkins
Emilia Pruszkowski
Beth Parry-Evans
Beth Tetlow