By Brandon Reeves
Momentum around Huddersfield RU is rapidly building in national league 2 North. After losing their first two, a winning run of five games has elevated Gareth Lewis and his men to fourth in the table.
As they go in hunt of win number six, they face a long away day when they take to the road down the A1 to visit bottom side Peterborough Lions.
Field have so far found attacking determination in their ranks to pull wins out the hat on occasion, but another factor in their run is their solidity.
Lewis’ team have the second-best defensive record in the league thus far after Chester, who’ve played one less fixture.
But Chester themselves know first-hand the threat that Lions can carry after a 17-10 defeat.
However, Peterborough are currently the side who prop up proceedings this season, the Chester victory standing solitary amidst a tough awakening to the league since promotion.
Lewis says on Field’s hosts, “Peterborough have had a tough start to the season but have been competitive in every fixture.
“They turned over Chester at home a couple of weeks ago, showing they are capable of beating one of the top sides in the league.”
The head coach makes a few changes to his pack to play Peterborough.
“We have a few new combinations this week which creates opportunities for those involved. They have trained well and there is a great feeling amongst the group” says Lewis.
Props Adam Blades and Alex Battye come into the front row alongside Fran Entressengle, While Ross Thornton is due his first start in a Field jersey at number six since joining from Sheffield Tigers.
Lewis Workman sustained a knee injury while running in a try against Tynedale, so James Davies comes in to replace him at centre. Workman is awaiting a scan for his knee.
Elliot Munnelly, signed in the summer, makes his first appearance in the squad on the bench having recently returned from New South Wales in Australia where he turned out for Cudgen Hornets.
Reuben Pollard and Mark Chivers find themselves missing out.
Field sit just four points off top spot but have three teams ahead of them who could all end up in first as well.
Hull who snatched the leadership of the league after capitalising on Hinckley’s slip up play host to Chester who are also in the mix up and sit fifth.
Hinckley are at home to Fylde looking to bounce back from defeat while Sedgley travel to the side Field defeated last time out Tynedale.
Defeat for Lions against Huddersfield this weekend could leave them marooned in the relegation places.
Their rivals could even put distance between them when Macclesfield go to Wharfedale and Leicester Lions face a visit of Preston Hoppers.
Mid table fixtures fill the rest of the league billing, Sheffield Tigers play Otley and Stourbridge face midland rivals South Leicester
Huddersfield: Tom Hodson, Arthur Wilkinson, James Davies, Will Milner, Elliot Knight, Mark Pease, Joe Green; Adam Blades, Fran Entressengle, Alex Battye, Matt Dunn, Nick Sharpe, Ross Thornton, Lewis Bradley, Dickie Piper(C)
Replacements: Harry Whitfield, Bob Sykes, Guy Borrowdale, Jack Maplesden, Elliot Munnelly
