By Brandon Reeves
It will be another massive game in National Two North this weekend at Lockwood Park when Huddersfield play host to second-placed Chester.
Both teams will be sure to be at their best this weekend as they look to bounce back from surprise defeats.
Chester lost their first home game for a year last time out against Fylde, while Field were being handily beaten by South Leicester.
But both will see this game as an opportunity to take initiative with the playoff place behind league leaders Hull all to play for.
It’s not just a clash of two high-flying outfits, but a meeting of the leagues two tightest defences. Saturday’s guests have conceded just 204 points so far, and Huddersfield 18 points more, meaning anything gained should be hard to come by.
And head coach Gareth Lewis, along with his team, would love to see a big turnout for what should be, an entertaining spectacle.
“The home support has been immense so far this season and they really play their part, so it would be great to see a big vocal crowd once again.
“The boys really thrive on it.”
Lockwood Park is at it’s best when fans turn out in numbers and really make some noise as seen previously this season.
At South Leicester changes were made with games like this one in mind, players were rested, so the team is expected to look more familiar on Saturday.
The front row sees three changes. In come Harry Whitfield and Adam Blades as props with Fran Entressengle as number two.
Vice-captain Lewis Bradley returns to the starting picture in the back row, Nick Sharpe moves back to lock alongside Guy Borrowdale who keeps his place.
There’s just the one change to the backs in the shape of Lewis Workman who partners Will Milner at centre.
A near full-strength Huddersfield side can give anybody in this league a proper battle on their day, and they look to have already put last week’s disappointments behind them.
“Last Saturday has now gone and the lads are looking forward to the game immensely.
“The result and performance seems to have reinvigorated us and there has been a great buzz in training this week.
“Chester are an excellent team who have been going well themselves this season, so it should be a great game” says Lewis.
Kickoff is set for 3pm as usual at Lockwood Park and all support is welcome with the team keen to give a strong performance to a big crowd.
HuddersfieldXV: Tom Hodson, Kian Stewart, Lewis Workman, Will Milner, Elliot Knight, Chris Johnson, Joe Green; Harry Whitfield, Fran Entressengle, Adam Blades, Guy Borrowdale, Nick Sharpe, Liam Parfitt, Lewis Bradley, Dickie Piper (captain)
Replacements: Alex Battye, Ross Thornton, Matt Dunn, Bob Sykes, Jack Maplesden
