By L Hammond
A win of any sort of over struggling Firwood & Waterloo could see Huddersfield re-claim top spot in National 3 North.
As ‘Field begin to work their way through their fixture pile up, one loss and one victory, coming last weekend against Rossendale, has placed Huddersfield in second place, two points behind league leaders Stockport.
With two games in hand on their main promotion rivals, if Stockport fail to extend their own winning run, Huddersfield would leapfrog them into first place and become clear favourites for the league title.
Although Firwood currently reside in eleventh place in the table, they travel to Lockwood Park in fine fettle with four wins in their last five fixtures making them one of the form sides in the league.
Since the weather has relented Huddersfield have bore mixed fortunes but First Team Manager Lee Paxman is proud of the way his side has bounced back after a month long lay off:
“To take Stockport all the way was a good achievement after a month off, with fresher legs or bit more luck then who knows, last week’s performance was very impressive as we took apart a strong Rossendale pack and scored some very nice tries through exciting backs play.”
Huddersfield name the same pack which outplayed their Rossendale counterparts last weekend. The only changes to the side are in the backs division, with Michael Clarke unavailable for selection, Elliot Hodgson moves to the vacant wing spot.
Tom Hodson, who played impressively, last week at fly-half returns to his more accustomed position of full-back, which allows Giles Hetherington to slot back in at Number 10.
The bench also sees the return of Yorkshire under 20 starlet Daniel Jeffery. He is joined by back rower Ross Thornton and the returning Anthony Stringwell.
Last time these two sides met, Huddersfield powered through to a 57- 17 demolition over a young Firwood side. But with Huddersfield seeking to reach the summit of National 3 North and Firwood scrapping to avoid relegation and in good form, the match should prove t be much more an even contest second time around.
The match is a 3pm kickoff at Lockwood Park and as always all under 16s are allowed free admission to the game. Huddersfield’s academy are also in action this weekend in the semi-final of the Yorkshire Cup. They play away at Abbeydale and all supporters who can make the journey are encouraged to do so to support the side.
