By Brandon Reeves
An inauspicious start to Huddersfield’s season means that Saturday’s visit of Preston Grasshoppers takes on increased importance as Yorkshire meets Lancashire.
Two defeats in two games for Huddersfield RU against Sedgley and Otley leave them without a win thus far in the National Two North.
However, the time isn’t quite now for panic to set in. The defeats showed in periods that Gareth Lewis’ men can be dangerous on the ball, and solid without. It’s just about meshing the two together in consistent fashion.
“We have looked threatening with ball in hand and our defence held up pretty well against a big Otley side last week.
“It’s important we get our game management right though and turn these narrow losses into victories” He says.
In Preston, they face a team who despite being newly-promoted, last weekend managed to turn over Fylde who were two divisions above Preston last season.
That result was one of a couple interesting results around the league, suggesting the strength this level is getting to.
Lewis on Preston says that “Preston had a great win over Fylde last week and we are aware of the strengths they bring.”
Field’s last-minute defeat was a low, but Lewis is looking forward to this weekend more than anything.
“Last week was obviously disappointing but confidence is high, and we are looking forward to Saturday.
And Lewis makes minimal change to his team, as they look to blend together as a side.
Just the two changes in personnel in the starting XV, Kian Stewart returns on the wing in place of Elliot Knight, injured at Otley.
While Adam Blades comes in to the front three to replace Harry Whitfield.
A familiar face returns to Lockwood, too, as Reuben Pollard will be back from his New Zealand experience with Waimea Old Boys, where they claimed the Nelson Bays Division Two Title.
Hopefully he can have a similar experience this year with Field.
This round of fixtures in the division throws together the two sides who managed to beat Field so far, Sedgley hosting Otley at Park Lane.
Hinckley and Wharfedale both scored maximum points from their first games, but the two meet in the Midlands meaning something will give there.
Field are in the midst of a five-team-clutch still looking for a win. Tynedale, Leicester Lions, Macclesfield and Peterborough all suffered back-to-back defeats, and will all look to overturn that form.
Huddersfield:
Lewis Workman, Kian Stewart, Mark Pease, James Davies, Tom Hodson, Will Milner, Jack Mapelsden; Alex Battye, Fran Entressengle, Adam Blades, Guy Borrowdale, Nick Sharpe, Lewis Bradley, Liam Parfitt, Dickie Piper (C).
Replacements:
Reuben Pollard, Mark Chivers, Matt Dunn, Joe Green, Arthur Wilkinson.
