OSWESTRY will look to bring the curtain down on a successful year when Handsworth visit Granville Park on Saturday.

Coach Jordan Davies backed his players to sign off for Christmas on a high following the frustrating of last weekend’s clash against Cleobury Mortimer being cancelled.

The Eagles sit in fifth place in division two of the Midlands League and on the coattails of the pace-setters but know defeat on Saturday would see them pulled into the bottom half of the table going into 2023.

Davies said 2022 had been a good year for the club.

Border Counties Advertizer: Oswestry return to action on Saturday.

Oswestry return to action on Saturday.

He said: “Building on a successful season last year we are quite proud of our fifth place at the half way point of the season, however it is tinged with what could have been.

“Having lost quite a few players from last season we have struggled with our squad depth for away games which has seen a draw and couple of losses that we could have won which could have pushed us into the top two.”

READ MORE:

However Davies remained upbeat and insisted the border club was heading in the right direction and fans could look forward to a bright 2023.

Davies said: “We welcome back a few players from travelling and work commitments so we are excited for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Oswestry in action earlier in the season.

Oswestry in action earlier in the season.

Davies also pointed to the club’s reserve side in division four of the NOWIRUL Widnes Transport and Training League who travel to second placed Ruskin Park on Saturday.

Ahead of the long trip to St Helens, Davies praised the efforts of the club’s second string and backed them to climb the table in 2023.

He said “We have had a resurgence in our second team also after a tough start to the season and credit to the key lads there who put the effort in recruiting and maintaining momentum.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Oswestry Rugby Club players and staff celebrate their promotion last season.

Oswestry Rugby Club players and staff celebrate their promotion last season.

With all eyes on the weekend forecast, Davies insisted his players were training in preparation of the game.

He said: “Despite the recent weather we look forward to hopefully welcoming Handsworth this Saturday for our last game of 2022 and our Christmas social.

“They pipped us at their club at the final whistle early on in the season so look forward to a tough match.”

Oswestry will then enter their mid-season break before returning on January 7 at Harborne ahead of Shropshire derbies against Newport IIs, Market Drayton and and Bridgnorth IIs also to look forward to in New Year.