Otley (a) Preview
Huddersfield RUFC travel to Otley in the quarter final of the Yorkshire Cup tomorrow. (Kick off 2pm)
After a narrow victory, last weekend defeating fellow promotion hopefuls Wirral 28-16, Head Coach Gareth Lewis is hoping to replicate his sides league form into the cup. “The Yorkshire Cup gives us an extra focus as we approach the business end of the season.”
Although, the cup has changed over recent years, but progressing into the semi-finals and then one game away from the final would highlight a terrific season. Lewis said, “It may no longer be what it once was but to get to the final and win is a special occasion for both the players and the club.”
However, Otley will provide a real test, currently sat 10th in the National Two North division. Lewis is excited to see how his players will cope. “Otley are an established National Two side, with some very good players so it will be a huge test for the lads but they can’t wait to challenge themselves against higher level opposition.”
Rueben Pollard returns to the side as prop alongside Captain Alex Battye. Callum Thompson who has tried twice in his last two games misses out as well as Adam Tamanis. Scrum-Half Dan Jeffrey takes the place of Joel Hinchliffe.
19-Year-old Harvey Keighley-Payne who impressed in his debut last month against Firwood Waterloo is amongst the replacements alongside, Ben Hoyle, Harry Whitfield, Oliver Scrimshaw and Kristin Sharples. As it’s a cup game Huddersfield are allowed two extra replacements. Lewis said, “We’ve picked what we consider a strong squad so we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
When the two sides met last season. Otley ran out winners in both games, winning 20-10 at Otley and 26-8 at Lockwood park. Field will be hoping that their transformation will stand them in good to stead to get the win this time around.
Former Huddersfield prop Ben Harris has signed for the Wasps, after impressing during a loan spell.
Huddersfield XV:
15. Danny Grainger
14. Elliot Knight
13. Tom Owen
12. Lewis Workman
11. Brandon Conway
10. Chris Bell
9. Dan Jeffrey
8. Adam Malthouse
7. Lewis Bradley
6. Ben Morrill
5. Nick Sharpe
4. Austen Thompson
3. Alex Battye (captain)
2. Fran Entressengle
1. Rueben Pollard
Replacements:
Harry Whitefield
Ben Hoyle
Oliver Scrimshaw
Harvey Keighley-Payne
Kristian Sharples
