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Leaders Stroud are hoping to make it a fab four in Western Counties North at Chipping Sodbury on Saturday

Author: Roger Jackson, Posted: Thursday, 20th September 2018, 09:40

Harry Foote

Table-topping Stroud are “buzzing” as they prepare to travel to Chipping Sodbury on Saturday.

The Western Counties North leaders have won three out of three this season, averaging well over 40 points a game.

It’s a start that has delighted club president Russell Hillier, who said: “We’re unbeaten so far and we’ve already beaten the team who were the only team to beat us twice last season.”

That team are Cheltenham – Stroud won 44-24 on the new artificial grass pitch at The Newlands 12 days ago – and Hillier added: “We’ve got a useful team. Particularly in the backs, I haven’t seen anything better than we’ve got and we can score points accordingly.”

Skipper Harry Foote is a key part of that back division of course but although Hillier is upbeat, a lifetime’s involvement in the game has taught him to be cautious as well.

“Hopefully we won’t get any serious injuries to set us back,” he said.

And fourth-placed Chipping Sodbury will certainly be no pushovers on Saturday, particularly after their 63-7 demolition win at previously unbeaten Old Richians five days ago.

They lost 25-17 on the opening day of the season at Midsomer Norton – who along with Stroud and Matson have won all three of their games – and Hillier said of Saturday’s game: “It’s going to be interesting.”

When Hillier spoke to The Local Answer on the eve of the new season, he said his big hope was that club hit the new season running and they’ve certainly done that.

“It’s exactly what we wanted,” he said. “In the past few seasons we’ve started slowly but this season we’re winning games and by big margins.”

And it’s not only the club’s flagship team who have made a flying start to the season.

“Our 2nd XV are unbeaten as well, as are our Nomads,” added Hillier.

“The place is buzzing. Nothing breeds success like success.”

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Leaders Stroud are hoping to make it a fab four in Western Counties North at Chipping Sodbury on Saturday

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