Brackley RUFC

Brackley will be in Lewis Shield action this Saturday as they face the difficult challenge of hosting Northampton Old Scouts with a place in the Semi-Finals up for grabs.

With Brackley currently sitting in a promotion spot in the league, their attention now turns to try and win silverware this season in the historic Lewis Shield. After drawing 13-13 last week away to rivals Bedford Swifts, Brackley know they will need a much improved performance and some cup magic to beat an Old Scouts side who are three leagues above. The last round of the Lewis Shield finished in controversial fashion after some late tries by Buckingham saw them win 37-6 but were forced to forfeit the match due to fielding an ineligible player, allowing Brackley to progress through.

The visitors are in Midlands One, however have been going through a difficult season, having only won two games and currently find themselves in the relegation zone, sitting 13th in the league. After losing 35-19 to relegation rivals Leighton Buzzard last week, Old Scouts could be aiming for a good cup run to brighten up their season. The visitors will have fond memories of the Lewis Shield having won it in 2015, which means the players that won that year won't be able to take part in the Lewis Shield again but that didn't stop Old Scouts coming runners up in 2017.

With all the current cold weather, Brackley will need to be on red hot form to beat what is a formidable Old Scouts team and be only one game away from the Final at Franklins Gardens. Kick off is at 2pm and the Six Nations Lunch will be taking place during the day but the bar will still be open and the Ireland vs. England match will be on the big screen afterwards.