Team For First Game

By Ridley Hall
July 24 2002

The only thing which appears to be happening at KP is the Under 21's packing their jimjams and teddy bears for the long trip down under. So its time for some more guesswork. Just who will figure in Falcons starting line up for the first game ......

Frankly, I'd eat my hat if there were any major surprises apart from a sneaking thought that Grimesy might be team captain ahead of Jonny - mainly on the grounds that he will probably play more games for Falcons.

Can't see our new forwards coach starting the match either. He will want to see the lads in action, and will probably hope his playing opportunities will be limited this season.

The other issues are whether Hall Charlton will start the season at No 9, and has Joe Shaw been bought to slot straight in at full back. If so where will Mr Walder play? I fancy his chances of starting in the centre ahead of Tom May who was a little below par last season.

So here is a wild summer stab in the sunshine: Shaw, Botham, Noon, Walder, Stephenson, Wilkinson, Charlton, Ward, Brotherstone, Hurter, Vyvyan, Grimes [capt], Mower, Taione, Dunbar.