Royals @ NTU - Match Preview

It was on a cold, windy and sodden February Sunday that the Worcester Royals enjoyed one of the greatest moments in the club’s history. The infamous “Mud Bowl” of 2015, at the Moors in Worcester, saw the plucky underdog Royals overcome the before then unbeaten and division champion elect NTU Renegades in historic game that will go down in the memory for many years to come. It seemed a case of who wanted it more and that is just what Worcester came and did, overturning their visitors 6 - 0, leaving the club to celebrate their best ever season.

The next two weeks will see if it was just a one off for the Royals as they face Nottingham Trent both this Sunday and the Sunday after. These next two games will be pivotal to both teams with their playoff futures in their hands only.

KEYS TO VICTORY

Worcester know they will have to improve following their bye week and the close defeat to Warwick, that will have to be done on both sides of the ball. The offense will want to improve on their production and not have to rely on explosive plays to get on the scoreboard, once again if the run game continues to be as productive as it’s been these first two games then they will be in with a shot of victory.

The defense will have to get themselves off the field as the ability held within the NTU offense to make big plays is very dangerous and will have to be dealt with. They can't afford to be on the field too long, especially as legs begin to tire, the chance of the opponent going big only increases.

THE OPPONENTS

Nottingham Trent University Renegades were one of the division favourites pre season and were one of the top ranked teams from division one in the country. They have had a mixed bag of results so far having played three, won two and lost one, they find themselves in a good position but not the one they would have ideally wanted when facing the Royals double header.

An opening day home win against Warwick followed by a hard fought triumph over their cross city rivals Nottingham University saw them set the early pace in the Midlands Division 1A, but last week's setback away to Warwick bought them right back into the pack.

As previously mentioned the offense and their ability to make big plays will be key in this match up and in the defense can stifle the Royals rush attack then NTU will have the ball very much in their court.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME?

The last time the two met was the extremely tense, hard fought Mud Bowl with Worcester coming out on top. This was a dramatic turn in fortunes for both clubs especially as the season before saw NTU run away victors by a margin of over 40 points.

WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN?

Both sides will be itching to bounce back after losses to an increasingly strong looking Warwick Wolves side and the physicality of this fight will be extremely high. Worcester will have to bring their best to take home the W but if they do, rest assured, then they are more than capable of upsetting the odds.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR TOMORROW?

The big news coming out is that the game is being streamed LIVE by Ceasars TV, the link can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8sM0yHRQ98

If you’re joining the Royals travelling support K.O is 1pm, on the Clifton Campus Pitches, Nottingham Trent University, NG11 8NS.

If you aren’t able to make the trip and the live stream is not for you then our twitter feed is everything you need, bringing live match updates throughout.

You can join the conversation and experience all the pregame buildup in all it’s entirety by tweeting us @Worcesterroyals and by using the hashtags #TeamWorc and #BeatPink.