Huddersfield RUFC, could clinch the National three north title, on Saturday with victory over neighbours Cleckheaton. (Saturday 3pm kick-off)
With Huddersfield winning last week 60-14 against, Morley to extend their unbeaten league record to 23 games.
Head Coach Gareth Lewis, believed that his sides performance last week, proves that their attitude is back on track. “I think it’s fair to say that subconsciously the attitude and engagement levels have dropped off in recent weeks, but I believe we got back to where we needed to be against Morley last Saturday.”
Lewis added, “The players were playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying the rugby.”
However, Lewis believes there are still parts to Huddersfield game which can be improved upon, despite them being unbeaten. “Clearly there are still areas to improve on but the way the lads approached the game was really pleasing and we are very much focused on this coming weekend.”
This weekend could become a triple celebration, due to Rugby Nats coming down to film the side and also, it’s the club annual Ladies day event.
Meanwhile, it is a local derby and both sides will hope to come out victorious, Lewis said, “This is a local derby and means a lot to both clubs, Cleckheaton are scrapping for their lives and are on the back of a hard-fought win over Firwood Waterloo, so we are expecting a tough battle.”
Although, the league could be wrapped by Saturday evening time, Lewis wants Huddersfield to remain focused until the end of the season, Lewis said “We must not take our foot off the pedal until the final whistle on April 22nd, the group have done exceptionally well, but we have not achieved anything yet, there is still a lot of rugby still to be played.
Captain, Alex Battye starts at prop, alongside Rueben Pollard as he rotates with Callum Thompson.
Adam Malthouse, who tried last weekend, starts at back row, as Ben Hoyle picked up an ankle injury away to Morley. Nick Rhodes also returns to start.
Cleckheaton are currently sat 10th and four points away from the relegation zone, so a win for them this weekend is vital if they want to stay up. They beat Firwood Waterloo, 28-24 last weekend and will be hoping for a similar performance on Saturday
Starting XV:
15. Danny Grainger
14. Elliot Knight
13. Lewis Workman
12. Tom Owen
11. Brandon Conway.
10. Chris Bell
9. Joel Hinchliffe
8. Nick Sharpe
7. Lewis Bradley
6. Adam Malthouse
5. Nick Rhodes
4. Austen Thompson
3. Alex Battye (Captain)
2. Fran Entressengle
1. Rueben Pollard
