Seb Nagle-Taylor has joined Barking on loan from Rosslyn Park (David Whittam)

Hartpury visit a ‘good indicator’

Barking director of rugby Nick Warren believes Saturday’s home game against Hartpury College will be a good indicator of what his side are capable of — if it beats the weather, writes Kirk Blows.

Warren admitted he was “disappointed” to see his side’s trip to Redruth postponed at the weekend as they looked to build on their first win of the season against Chinnor in their previous National Two South outing.

Saturday’s game at Gale Street could be under threat from the big freeze, but Barking — who currently prop up the table — are preparing for the visit of fourth-placed Hartpury regardless.

Warren said: “I’ve earmarked this game as a good indicator as to where we are at the moment. We lost heavily [62-6] down there in October before I was involved with the club.

“But the side we had back then doesn’t really compare with the one we have now and we’re a lot stronger than we were.

“We’re going into the game with confidence. We know it’s going to be difficult, but the players are aware of the challenges we’ve set.

“We have a good relationship with SportHouse who allow us to use their indoor facilities and we’re preparing as if the game will go ahead.”

Barking are set to include some new faces in their squad, having landed back row forward Seb Nagle-Taylor on loan from Rosslyn Park. Warren was also closing in on an unnamed utility back at the start of the week.

Nagle-Taylor is set to start on the Barking bench and Warren is excited by the capture of the 18-year-old.

He said: “Seb is a young lad and fresh out of school, having studied at Eastbourne.

“He signed for Rosslyn Park, but is not quite ready for National League level yet so we’ve taken him on loan for the rest of the season.

“He’s exceptionally quick and fit and is an exciting prospect.”

Akin Solanke-Caulker and Dan Peasnall are set to return from suspension, but Andy Mead could be sidelined with illness.