Match Preview

Saturday sees a return to league rugby for the 1st XV after a prolonged Christmas break due to December weather.

Head Coach Si Davies selects a squad which includes Charlie Middleton at Loose-Head, pack leader Chris Chapman at Openside and Adam Jackson expected to make an impact from the bench.

Over recent encounters, Aire have enjoyed being on the right side of the result against Pythons, winning the last four games. However, they have historically been relatively tight affairs with no more than 10 points between the sides on the last 5 occasions. Indeed with the forum tipping 'Gate to win this weekend, noting that their quality belies their league position, this promises to be a cracking New Year contest.

The fixture takes place at Pythons' new home at Station View, HG2 7JA, ko 2.15pm.