Following Sunday's training we have had notification that Belper have conceded their NLD Shield game against us, giving us a 30 - 0 win and confirming our progression to the semi finals. NLD have supported this position, with the Belper side having conceded their earlier two games given registered player availability.

The Belper team this year is engaged in a process of development, and we have agreed to replace our NLD game with a Friendly Fixture, at Belper. This fixture provides an excellent opportunity for our newer players to get a proper run out, alongside a core of our longer standing team members. To make this work we will be looking to restrict our squad to around 25 players, to make the trip worthwhile for all.

Having decided on our NLD squad following training on Sunday, we are now trying to pull together a more mixed side for this different encounter, resting a few players who have had weekly team commitments.

With the Semi Finals now on our mind, we are increasing the number of available games to try out some new ideas, and get everyone onto the field as much as possible. We will identify a weekly match squad, and put training in place for the rest of the team, improving particular skillsets each week, and looking for that winning NLD side. Ilkeston have already confirmed a new fixture with us on 27th February, and two more games are pending.

More detail on this coming weekend in the next day or so.

Nick