By Brandon Reeves
Third plays second this weekend at Lockwood Park in what will be the clash of the round in National North 2 as Huddersfield host Hinckley.
Huddersfield are on a six-match win streak in the league while Hinckley have seven wins from their eight fixtures thus far.
Despite being handily beaten by Chester a couple of weeks ago, the Hornets have made an otherwise blistering start, being the division’s second top scorers.
However, Field have the league’s second-best defensive record to counteract the dangers that sides have thrown at them this season, and what’s more is their level of finishing has had a step up this season.
Behind the scenes at Hinckley is a familiar face to fans in the form of George Chuter.
The former Leicester Tigers and England hooker is in his second season in the Director of Rugby role as he looks to inspire forward momentum on and off the field for the Leicestershire club.
A more familiar face to Field will be back at Lockwood on Saturday in Harry Davey. The young Yorkshire Carnegie fly half had a spell with Field last season and was top scorer, helping the team to sixth.
Davey has re-signed from Carnegie on a dual-registration after featuring for Bath’s A league side early this season.
Gareth Lewis can also give Elliot Munnelly a full home debut in the midfield next to Will Milner after featuring off the bench at Peterborough.
Forwards Liam Parfitt and Reuben Pollard are back in the squad after missing out last time. Jack Maplesden has been cleared to play after his neck injury and starts at scrum half.
Ross Thornton enjoyed a good performance filling in across the pack at Lions and is rewarded with a second start in the back row next to vice-captain Lewis Bradley.
Head Coach Lewis says his charges are ready to “throw the kitchen sink” at Hinckley this weekend.
“The lads are incredibly excited to test themselves against one of the sides tipped for promotion at the start of the season.
“We go into the game as clear underdogs, but I know the boys will throw the kitchen sink at it and enjoy the challenge.”
To add to the prospect of beating a close league rival, the potential to end the day top is equally as tantalising, provided Hull Ionians slip up at Fylde.
Field will also have to be wary of slipping to fourth should they fall to a first defeat in seven if Sedgley Park below them overcome bottom side Peterborough.
Huddersfield xv: Tom Hodson, Arthur Wilkinson, Elliot Munnelly, Will Milner, Elliot Knight, Mark Pease, Jack Maplesden; Adam Blades, Fran Entressengle, Harry Whitfield, Matt Dunn, Nick Sharpe, Ross Thornton, Lewis Bradley, Dickie Piper(c)
Replacements: Reuben Pollard, Liam Parfitt, Guy Borrowdale, Joe Green, Harry Davey
