The current cold snap may effect some of the fixtures this weekend. As ever Sneaky Pete got his predictions in early leaving Matt with the Russian Roulette role of guessing where the spanner will be thrown in Midlands 2NE. The 6 Nations always affects availability this time of year so maybe a few surprises will be forthcoming over the next few weeks.

Focusing on the immediate, Melbourne having come through a battle of 1st and 2nd last week now travel away to high flying Loughborough who sit 3rd. Games certainly don’t get easier in this League. Melbourne unbeaten away this season, and Loughborough having only lost one at home means it will be another tasty affair. No predictions as usual.

The other fixtures

Dronfield v Southwell
Dronfield sit 2nd and have had a great season, continuing their impressive form post Christmas. Southwell still bottom despite an upturn in form and a couple of very tasty wins of their own. That being said they are pretty dismal on the road and all sensible opinions would pick a Home win. Both Pete and I agree on this.

Ilkeston v Ashby.
Basement battle when both teams are actually capable of producing excellent displays. Ilkeston are the better side on paper and have a better league position, buoyed by an away win last week. Ashby are struggling. A Home win for Ilkeston to leave Ashby in trouble is agreed by both Sneaky Pete and myself.

Lincoln v Ashbourne
Lincoln are big and strong, especially at home but Ashbourne are going along very nicely. This is a tough one to predict. Pete sees a home win for Lincoln in a tight game. Matt will go against the odds - this has back fired many a time thus far but you have to speculate to accumulate - so he will back Ashbourne!

Long Eaton v Newark.
Once again two big sides. Long Eaton played very well against Melbourne last week and in this tight league, home advantage tends to play a part. Pete sees a home win for long Eaton here. However, despite Matt knowing that home form plays a part if Newark have a strong side they may well cause a surprise. Long Eaton are missing a few key players at the moment and Newark may sniff a win if they come with the full force of their physical side.

Market Rasen v Matlock
Both sides are in a real poor run of form at the moment. Both sides were strong contenders to take the Midlands 2 NE title. Yet they strangely find themselves struggling to find a win between them. Pete feels home advantage will give Market Rasen the edge in a tight game, Matt previously backed Matlock and they let him down. Surely they wouldn’t do it again? Matt pips Matlock in a brave (or stupid) hope that he claw back some precious points! Up the Matlock!

Will Matt’s desperation and sheer pot luck, help him to take some ground back? Find out on Monday for the Round 15 review.