United Services backed to continue fine form  Â

RICH NEIL is backing United Services to continue their London three south west winning run against Teddington at Burnaby Road.
United Services player-coach Rich Neil. Picture: Neil MarshallUnited Services player-coach Rich Neil. Picture: Neil Marshall
United Services player-coach Rich Neil. Picture: Neil Marshall

Since losing to leaders Winchester in their opening game of the season, Services have chalked up three successive victories.

They have moved up to third and adapted to life in the division seamlessly following promotion last term.

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Neil is delighted with the progress Services have made this campaign.

The player-coach said: '˜This is another big game for us to try to keep moving forward.

'˜Losing narrowly to Winchester in our first game was disappointing but they are going to be challenging to win the title.

'˜We have had some good results since then.

'˜If we beat Teddington it will give us 22 out of a possible 25 points on offer.

'˜I have to be happy with that.

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'˜It is vital that we pick up as many five-point hauls as we can at home. If we do that then we will stay at the right end of the table.'

Services are boosted by the return of prop-forward Billy Rolfe.

He will add to their ball carrying and scrummaging options.

One aspect of Services' game which has pleased Neal has been their set-pieces. 

He added: '˜Our set-pieces have been spot on so far.

'˜We have got a well-drilled maul from line-outs and made a lot of yards from it.

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'˜On the dry pitches we have also looked to move the ball as much as possible.'

Meanwhile, Havant continue on their travels with a London one south visit to Thurrock.

It is a sixth successive away game for Will Knight's side because their Hooks Lane pitch is being redeveloped.

Playing on the road every week has taken its toll on Havant and have yet to win this season.

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The visitors are without captain Joel Knight. He's suspended after being sent off in last weekend's defeat to Chichester. 

Petersfield face a tough London three south west trip to Battersea Ironsides.

Southsea Nomads travel to Basingstoke II in Hampshire two. 

On Sunday, Havant Ladies host Portsmouth Valkyries at Hooks Lane (2.30pm).