MATCH PREVIEW
Tough Test For London Welsh

Fri, 25 Feb 2000 13:49 GMT

London Welsh v Northampton
For nostalgia-obsessed spectators Old Deer Park is the place to be on Saturday afternoon when London Welsh compete in a Cup quarterfinal for the first time since 1986.

These teams have not met in the competition for 23 years when the Welsh were enjoying a golden era where a team - dominated by internationals - won 17-11 thanks to a try by wing Clive Rees.
The Welsh have slipped down the ladder over the past two decades, but have developed a combative team, capable of surprising Northampton. Recent results have included victories over Coventry, in the previous round, and League Two leaders Leeds two weeks ago.
A decent back division is orchestrated by Andy Lee, the former Saracen, at flyhalf, and features plenty of pace in Scott Roskell, Vaughan Going and Simon Frost. Up front, ex-Wasps flanker Buster White and Greg Botterman, the former Saracens hooker, provide the experience.
Northampton, chasing silverware on three fronts, have named a squad of 22, including Nick Beal and Paul Grayson, two internationals sidelined recently by injuries. However, Wales centre Allan Bateman (groin) and lock Richard Metcalfe (ankle) are omitted.

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