By Brandon Reeves
After sweeping aside Hinckley last week, Huddersfield now have league leaders Hull Ionians in their sights as they travel to Brantingham park in search of an eighth consecutive victory.
Hull have lost just one game, away to Hinckley, in their impressive start to the season, winning eight in nine in their search for an immediate return to National 1.
The I’s have also racked up the points, boasting the best attacking record of 287 points, giving them a bonus point in all of their victories so far.
Hull have spent the past few seasons at the level above national two north before succumbing to relegation, missing out on survival by three points on the last day.
The clash promises to be a big one when first hosts second, with both sides on winning streaks and impressive momentum.
Field will have to go to East Riding without skipper Dickie Piper due to other commitments, so Lewis Bradley will be an able deputy in his stead.
Piper’s absence will mean a rejig to the pack, among other changes.
Nick Sharpe will move to number 8 and Guy Borrowdale will slot into Sharpe’s usual position at Lock.
There’s a recall for Liam Parfitt in the back row, while Alex Battye returns at loosehead in the front row.
The halfback positions also see changes this week. Joe Green returns at scrumhalf, while Harry Davey earned himself a start replacing the injured Mark Pease at flyhalf.
Davey came on in midfield last week to bag himself a couple of tries on his return to Field.
Gareth Lewis’ men seem to be raring to go ahead of the top of the table tussle.
“We are all looking forward to this weekend.
“There is confidence in our own ability, but we respect Ionians enormously given the level they’ve been at over the last few years.
“The lads require very little motivation from me and games like this don’t get much bigger, it should a great game.”
Meanwhile directly below Field in the league, third and fourth face each other in Leicestershire when Hinckley host Sedgley Park. Either side will be looking to cash in on any slips from Lewis’ side, but the lowest Field can go would be to third.
Chester, also part of that chasing pack in the top five face a trip to South Leicester looking to bounce back from being edged at Hull last time out.
Huddersfield XV: Tom Hodson, Arthur Wilkinson, Elliott Munnelly, Will Milner, Elliot Knight, Harry Davey, Joe Green; Alex Battye, Fran Entressengle, Harry Whitfield, Matt Dunn, Guy Borrowdale, Liam Parfitt, Lewis Bradley(C), Nick Sharpe.
Replacements: Reuben Pollard, Ross Thornton, Bob Sykes, Jack Maplesden, James Davies
