By D Whittle
Huddersfield look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season as they travel to Morley this weekend.
After a disappointing performance in the defeat to Sale, Huddersfield look to carry on a positive start to the season against Morley who have won once so far.
Manager Lee Paxman said: “After a very disappointing performance we have done a quality video session and focused on the key areas. In hindsight we massively underperformed but we could still have easily won that game.”
Field struggled in a number of areas, and despite launching a second half come back, they were unable to remain unbeaten this season.
But Huddersfield are well aware of the threat that Morley will pose. Fly half Mark Chester has trained with Huddersfield before, so Field should feel well prepared to deal with him, as well as former Huddersfield prop Ben Bell, who moved to Morley to play more regular rugby.
Paxman said: “Morley will throw another tough challenge to us. I have been involved at Huddersfield over 10 years and whilst here we have never won at Morley’s ground – it will be a very tough, physical encounter.”
But Field have been working hard to improve after the disappointment of last week, with Tom Hodson admitting his worst kicking performance of his life, despite being instrumental in the victories of Bradford & Bingley and on the opening day against Billingham.
‘Field have named a few changes from last week, with Jack Moon and ElIiot Hodgson trading positions, as well as welcoming back Gareth Lewis, who missed last week’s game to attend the birth of his daughter, Olivia May.
Giles Hetherington and Laurence Sanderson also return for Field as they start on the bench.
In addition to this, Morley have lost three games this season, all against opposition that Field have already beaten.
Huddersfield’s Falcons also take on Morley, but on the home surroundings of Lockwood Park.
Boosted by the return of Dan Western, Ross Thornton, Bob Sykes and Oliver Scrimshaw the Falcons will be optimistic as they Field a strong side, with a number pushing for first team selection.
Both games kick off at 3pm.
Huddersfield 1st XV
1. Alex Battye
2. Ben Morrill
3. Antony Stringwell
4. Gavin Rhodes
5. Nick Rhodes
6. Gareth Lewis
7. Ben Hoyle
8. Nick Sharpe
9. Joel Hinchliffe
10. Tom Hodson
11. Adam Sutcliffe
12. Tom Owen
13. Michael Clark
14. Elliot Hodgson
15. Jack Moon
Subs:
16. Laurence Sanderson
17. Gareth Lewis (Jr)
18. Giles Hetherington
Huddersfield Falcons
1. Edward Birkhead
2. Joe Sheil
3. Jack Smith
4. George Hinchliff
5. Ben Royds
6. Dan Western
7. Henry Ward
8. Ross Thornton
9. Ross Baggs
10. William Brian
11. Alex Brook
12. Tom Van Rooyen
13. Sam Gill
14. Elliot Knight
15. George Hunt
Subs:
16. Joah Bradley
17. Jack Bryson
18. Bob Sykes
19. Oliver Scrimshaw
20. Dan Bozz