Geordan set for come-back

By Denise
October 17 2002

Tigers take on Calvisano at Welford Road this weekend on the back of a welcome point away from home last week against Neath. Tigers looked to be getting back to last season's form during that match, but has the corner been turned?

Calvisano lost to Beziers at home last week, however they have apparently had a good start to their league season with three wins out of three and certainly from previous encounters they are no pushovers. In the corresponding fixture last year Tigers were made to struggle, a sloppy performance from Tigers combined with appalling conditions underfoot after the pitch had been defrosted, as well as the Italian's spoiling tactics led to a final score of just 29-7. Tigers didn't fair much better away from home with a 3-37 win.

The Italian side's captain Giampiero De Carli is expecting a difficult test at the home of the European Champions, whilst Deano insists a win is all that counts the pressure will be on the players to put a big score on the board tied with a convincing all-round performance. Deano is likely to give several fringe players their chance against Calvisano and the good news is that golden-boy Geordan Murphy is fit for the first time this season and will play some part on Saturday. Calm down girls!

Also on the injury front new boy Gareth Raynor is definitely ruled out on the grounds of an injured ankle (must be registered then!), along with Tigers very own pop idol Hazza Ellis who has damaged his knee. Other doubts are Graham Rowntree (knee), Lewis Moody (bruised leg), Dorian West (knee) and Ollie Smith (shoulder). Hopefully Deano will give Joshie boy a go on the flank after his brace of tries for the extras earlier this week but we will have to wait and see.

C'mon Tigers!!!!


NOTE: This game IS included in the season ticket.