By Liam Hammond
Huddersfield welcome fellow unbeaten side Burnage to Lockwood park with “Field” chasing a third successive victory and top spot in the league table.
The match will pit the league’s second and third placed teams against each other with both squads laying their 100% record on the line. The result could prove to be an indicator of where both clubs stand in their pursuit of success in National League 3.
Although Huddersfield have secured two victories from their opening league fixtures, First Team Manager, Lee Paxman is not taking the possibility a third league victory for granted: “ We expect this to be a real test, Burnage have a strong squad and this will be a challenge for our team.”
Huddersfield have been forced into making three changes to the first team squad following last week’s physical encounter with local rivals Bradford & Bingley.
Vice-Captain Alex Battye replaces prop Laurence Sanderson. Adam Sutcliffe has been promoted from the Falcon’s team and replaces Giles Hetherington on the bench. Sutcliffe secured his place in the 1st XV squad with a fine performance against the Bradford 2nd XV, in which alone he scored four tries.
Gareth Lewis (namesake of the first team coach) is also called up to the squad and will make his debut from the bench. Gareth is a new signing for the club and joined Huddersfield from Ergemont after previously playing for Newcastle Falcons Academy.
All of the above team changes have been forced due to player injury but even in the face of a top of the table clash. Manager, Lee Paxman is confident in the quality of his chosen replacements: “This strength in depth will be key for us throughout the season and we are excited to give chances to players who really perform for the Falcons.”
This weekend also sees the local clash for the Huddersfield Falcon’s team who will travel to face the Huddersfield YMCA. The match will see the talented George Hunt making his debut for a strong Falcons side featuring the highly vaunted back row unit of Dan Western, Henry Ward and Ross Thornton.
The First XV match is a 3pm kick-off at Lockwood park, with all minors (Under 16’s) admitted for free. The Falcons travel to Laund Hill the home of the YMCA with the match also a 3pm kick off. Fans are encouraged to attend both fixtures and support both teams in what are crucial, early season fixtures.
First XV vs Burnage
1. Alex Battye, 2. Ben Morrill, 3. Antony Stringwell, 4. Gavin Rhodes, 5. George Hinchliff, 6. Gareth Lewis, 7. Ben Hoyle, 8. Nick Sharpe, 9. Joel Hinchliffe, 10. Tom Hodson,11. Howard Hanks,12. Tom Owen, 13. Michael Clark, 14. Ben Mitchell, 15. Elliot Hodgson
Subs: 16. Gareth Lewis Jr, 17. Nick Rhodes, 18. Adam Sutcliff
