By Brandon Reeves
Lockwood park is all set for an early Christmas cracker this weekend when Huddersfield are hosts to Yorkshire rivals Wharfedale.
In what promises to be a hard-hitter of a derby, Huddersfield have old scores to settle in the two sides first meeting since Gareth Lewis’ side was on the end of a 43-5 drubbing at the back end of last season.
Field look to be a very different prospect to that which went up to the Dales last season however, and the way things have gone this season would make Field favourites for the clash.
Wharfedale’s record points to a more inconsistent journey of this year’s national two north.
Seven wins and seven defeats thus far show that you never know which Dale you’re going to get on any given Saturday, but they’re a team capable of big performances, something Huddersfield have seen first-hand.
Head Coach Gareth Lewis says Field are all set for Dale’s visit.
“We believe we have prepared well for what will be a very tough game. Wharfedale have a number of strengths to their game and some excellent individuals.”
“We’ve had a few new combinations in recent weeks, but we are beginning to gel once again are due a top performance this Saturday.”
Will Milner returns to the side after missing the last game through injury. The man dropping to the bench is Joe Green, with Jack Maplsden moving from Centre to Scrum half.
Tom Owen and Ben Morrill, both long-term casualties were both able to return to training in the week and can look to the new year to be potentially competing for places in the team.
But for now, all eyes are on Saturday and Wharfedale in front of a big home crowd. It promises to be a great game.
Huddersfield XV: Tom Hodson, Kian Stewart, Lewis Workman, Will Milner, Elliot Knight, Chris Johnson, Jack Maplesden; Harry Whitfield, Fran Entressengle, Alex Battye, Guy Borrowdale, Nick Sharpe, Liam Parfitt, Lewis Bradley, Dickie Piper (C)
Replacements: Adam Blades, Ross Thornton, Bob Sykes, Joe Green, Mark Pease
