Cesky is the danger in Bison's big local derby

When last in town the Berkshire outfit, minus suspended top forward Jaroslav Cesky, were well and truly stung 12-0.

This Saturday (6.30pm) the scoreline will be a lot closer as Bees fortunes have improved in recent weeks.

The addition, last weekend, of experienced British forward Adam Bicknell to their ranks, is sure to boost them further as they look to climb the table.

Also adding extra spice to the match are Tadley-based Watt brothers Nicky and Ryan whose physical play should add to the excitement of the clash.

The local derby is being used to raise funds for Charlie’s Day Unit at Basingstoke Hospital.

For the Bison it is their chance to build on some recent good home form which has seen them win two and lose the other in penalty shoot-outs in their last three games.

Kurt Reynolds and Chris Wiggins, who returned to the Basingstoke line-up last weekend, have had no reaction to their injuries.

However, the home side will be minus defenceman Sam Oakford – away on international duty with Great Britain under-20s – along with long term injury victim Scott Spearing.

So it is likely that Tony Redmond will return to patrol the blue line to give his side five defencemen, but player/coach Steve Moria has not ruled out continuing to play Redmond as a forward as the Herd only have one game this weekend.

This is the third league meeting between these sides and the Bison will be keen to maintain their 100 per cent success record over the Bees.

Talking ahead of the clash, Moria said: “It is essential we get the two points on Saturday as it is our only game of the weekend. They have improved since their last visit so there will be no repeat of that scoreline. They will come in to our building with a victory in mind.”

The Bison boss has pinpointed that the man they have to stop is Cesky and he added: “He is the best player in this league and someone we will have to contain as he is the key to Bracknell’s success.”