ROUND 12 BRINGS SQUIRRELS TO TW9

Following a statement win in Round 11, London Welsh took their unbeaten run to 16 games and made it 11 bonus point wins from 11 games, in the 2024/25 season. With Jersey’s trip to Alleynians falling victim to storm Darragh, the Exiles also opened up a 10 point lead at the summit of the league.

Matt Hodgson stretched his lead at the top of Regional 1s total points scoring stakes, taking himself to 144 points in another impressive performance.

Welsh are by now no strangers to Saturdays visitors, with this being the 4th consecutive season that the clubs have been pitched against each other in the same league; both sides advancing to level 5 from London 1 South in the 2021/22 season.

However, prior to project Reset the two clubs had never met. Camberley were formed in 1931 and at the outset of league rugby in the early 90s were placed  in London 2 (level 7 at that time). The early 2000s were tough years that took Cambo as far down as London 4 at level 9.

Camberley hit their highest league rung after winning Promotion to National 3 South in 2001. They remained at the then level 4 for 2 seasons before relegation in their second season.

Since project reset the clubs have so far met on 7 occasions, with Welsh having 3 wins to Cambos 4. However, Welsh have won the last 2 on the bounce and both wins coming away from home.

March 23rd this year brought the most impressive Welsh win, a victory on the road at Watchetts 57-33.

Camberley have benefited this Season from the addition of a number of wider squad players from Nat 1 side Rams; including Alex Seers and Jak Rossiter in the back line. Cambo also have ex Cornish Pirates veteran Marlen Walker on their books.

Confidence though is very high in the Welsh camp. A number of key recruits in the off season has bolstered an already talented squad. Critically, unlike the last 2 seasons, Welsh have been fortunate with injuries. However, the strength in depth in the squad is now phenomenalal and competition is rife. There are no injuries to report and the squad has a clean bill of health.

Ben Davies has been absent in Rounds 10 and 11 but returns to the battle for Round 12. All eyes on Andy Black who is in line for his 100th appearance if selected. Andy will be the first player to reach the milestone since project reset In 2017. Jack Rouse misses out this Weekend.

Top try scorer Adam Dunne extended his tally with 2 tries in Round 11 putting him on 9 for the season. That also takes Adam to 20 tries in just 18 Welsh appearances; not a bad record!

Cambo have lost narrowly to both Wimbledon and ourselves in Round 2 this season, they will as always be a tough opponent.

Saturday will also see the usual Christmas fixture festivities at ODP and the London Welsh RFC Choir will be in attendance along with some special Guest speakers for lunch.

The Druids are also in action with a 1pm KO as they provide the curtain raiser for the days action. Andy Evan's men are likewise at almost full strength and will be looking to maintain pressure towards the top of London and SC premier.

All club bars are open from 10am and the pre match lunch sold out 2 weeks ago!

We look forward to seeing the #lwfamily out in force this weekend for the last home game of 2024 and to celebrate the festive period.

#COYW