Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 9:00am

Hopkins rejects 'rustiness' concerns

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Bracknell coach Ken Hopkins is fired-up for this weekend's clash against Old Albanians.

BRACKNELL coach Ken Hopkins has denied rustiness will be a problem for his side as they prepare to take on Old Albanians in a top of the table clash this weekend.

Third-placed Bracknell will entertain second-placed Albanians at Lily Hill Park this Saturday (2.15pm ko) having played just one game in National Three London & South-East since Christmas.

Admittedly that was an impressive 45-14 victory at Portsmouth, but with last weekend's scheduled home game against Basingstoke postponed an hour before kick-off because of a frozen pitch, Bracknell go into this Saturday's clash short of match practice.

In contrast, Old Albanians have played three times since Christmas, including a 31-7 success at rock bottom Sutton & Epsom last weekend, and have won 14 of their 17 league games so far this season.

However, Hopkins dismisses any thoughts that Bracknell might be rusty while admitting his side will have to be at the top of their game to combat Old Albanians who are pushing leaders Jersey all the way in the title race.

He said: "Losing last weekend's game was very frustrating as we'd played well against Portsmouth the previous weekend and were looking to build on that performance.

"It would have been too dangerous to play but it means we've only had one game since Christmas which isn't ideal.

"Albanians have had three games in that time and managed to pick up a bonus point last weekend but our boys have trained really well and I don't think rustiness will be an issue.

"They've got a strong front five, with a good defence and good kicking game so it will be tough but the boys are all really fired-up for this one."

Bracknell lost 10-6 in the meeting between the sides earlier in the season and will be without flying winger Kevin McKenzie, who has returned to the West Indies, and lock Jason Borcherds who is unavailable because of work commitments.

It promises to be a busy weekend of action for the club as Bracknell follow up their crunch league clash with a trip to Reading in the Berkshire Cup on Sunday (2pm ko).

Bracknell are the defending county cup holders and are expected to launch a spirited defence of their trophy by including their two new Hawaiian signings.

Kihei's Andrew Malafu and Pila Taufa from Lahaina have been training with the club for the last couple of weeks and got a useful runout for Bracknell 2nds last weekend.

Malafu, who is a centre with Central Maui Warriors, and winger Taufa, who plays for the West Maui Spartans club, have impressed since arriving in the UK as they pursue their dream of landing a deal with London Irish next season.

"It's early days but they both look like good prospects and after a good workout with the seconds last weekend, they could be a possibility for the Berkshire Cup tie," admitted Hopkins.

Broadmoor Staff strengthened their position at the top of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division table thanks to a 15-10 victory at second-placed Oxford last weekend.

The win means Broadmoor are now two points clear at the top and they will look to consolidate their position further this Saturday when they travel to Thatcham.