Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club chairman Mike Robinson is expecting a completely different game to the comfortable 49-24 scoreline Bury achieved earlier in the season against tomorrow’s opponents, Thurrock.

The Wolfhounds triumphed spectacularly back in September, more than doubling their opponents score but Robinson is expecting a sterner test tomorrow afternoon.

“They’re improving all the time,” said Robinson.

“They’re much-changed since the last time we played them – they have a new manager and a load of new players so it’ll be very different.”

Thurrock are currently 13th in National League 3 London & SE and have won just twice all season.

“They’re fighting for their lives and will therefore be up their game,” added Robinson.

Both Bury and Thurrock are confident the game, which is a postponed fixture from January 4, will go ahead this time around.

“Thurrock have moved the game forward to a 2pm kick-off and ensure us that the pitch is playable at the minute – but a definite call will be made in the morning,” added Robinson.

“Whatever happens, it’ll be very wet and muddy and it certainly won’t be a champagne rugby encounter.

“It’ll be a big battle between the forwards and will certainly be a stiff challenge but I’m confident the lads can pull through.”

Bury are on quite a roll having won four of their last five league games.

Last week’s 37-16 victory over Barnes was nothing short of fantastic.

“It (last week) was a very pleasing performance,” said Robinson.

“The lads put what they’d been working on into practice and pulled away with the game in the second half.

“We’ve been on a bit of a run lately and the last two performances in particular have been very pleasing.

“We were sloppy in the first game back after Christmas but the lads have stepped up since then and really knuckled down.”

Unlike most other clubs in any sporting capacity, the Wolfhounds’ training policy hasn’t been affected by the ill weather – due to the use of a 3G training facility, something Robinson has been very grateful for.

He said: “We’re very fortunate to have such a great facility. It’s fantastic as it’s allowed us to train and not lose any time on what we’ve been working on.”

Bury will be without key trio Matt Eddison, Charlie Paske, and Jamie Cooke tomorrow but Robinson is confident others can step up to the mark.

“All three will be sorely missed but we have great strength in depth and the players that will come in will be more than capable of deputising,” said Robinson.

With skipper Eddison out with a shoulder injury, Casey Stoney is set to step into the captaincy shoes once again.

“Matt leads from the front and has been one of the stars of the season,” said Robinson.

“Of course we’d rather have him playing but Casey will captain the side in his absence and he’s a player who is only getting better and better for us.

“He started off quietly but since the middle of November he has really stood out for us, putting some really good performances in.

“Not only is he dependable and reliable but he’s a match-winner too and I hope he can produce some more magic against Thurrock.”