Ilkley (H)
Huddersfield RU will be aiming to make it 19 wins in a row when they face Ilkley at Lockwood Park on Saturday (Kick off 3pm).
Following another commanding display, beating Firwood Waterloo 49-7 in their last outing, Gareth Lewis’ men will be hoping their unbeaten season continues.
Lewis is excited at the prospect of five continuous weeks of rugby after only playing three games in January. “It’s not been ideal since the turn of the year with the free weekends, but we now have five weeks of continuous rugby to get our teeth into.”
The head coach has tinkered with the match day squad. With club captain Alex Battye returning to the starting line-up after only featuring as a substitute last time out, starting in the front row alongside Ben Morrill and Callum Thompson whilst Ben Hoyle returns to the back row.
Kristian Sharples makes his long-awaited return, following time out with a shoulder injury. Despite picking up a knock last game, Brandon Conway remains in the starting line-up. Lewis Added:
“The boys are now fresh and can’t wait to run out in front of the home support once again. Training has been pretty tough this week with plenty of contact and conditioning which will hopefully prepare us well for a tough game this Saturday.”
Huddersfield were convincing winners when the sides last met in October, winning 58-8. With Elliot Hodgson getting a hat-trick. However, Lewis knows Ilkley will still provide a tough test on Saturday. “We played very well at Ilkley in October and we must reach the same standard, if not better this time out. We know they have several outstanding individuals and teams around them have been winning games of late, so we will not be taking them lightly.”
Ilkley have lost their previous five games. Although they narrowly lost to Rossendale, who sit 2nd in the table 17-24 last time out. They will be hoping to get a couple more victories which will help them remain in the division.
Starting XV
15. Lewis Workman
14. Danny Granger
13. Tom Owen
12. Brandon Conway
11. Elliot Knight
10. Chris Bell
9. Joel Hinchliffe
8. Nick Sharpe
7. Ben Hoyle
6. Lewis Bradley
5. Adam Malthouse
4. Austen Thompson
3. Callum Thompson
2. Ben Morrill
1. Alex Battye (Captain)
Replacements:
Adam Tamanis
Fran Entressengle
Kristian Sharples
