Last season Sandal were one of only three teams we got a double over, but the gap was narrow on both occasions, four points away from home, where we appeared to lose, then won the game in injury time, and seven points at home. They were also one of only four who finished below us, but have put things right this season, and currently sit in fifth place in the table. They are averaging over thirty points a game and have scored over forty points in their last two home games, which were both high scoring (49v48 against Rossendale and 43v35 against Blaydon). Their only losses coming by four points to Harrogate and a single point to Rossendale, plus a big loss away at Wirral

TEAM : The pack are as last weekend and in the back division Myles Harrop and Glen Weightman who were unavailable last week return, and the really good news is after limping off last week Zane Butler is named in the centre. Jack Lashley and Alex Pantechis return on the bench with Liam Ridley.

SORRY NO EARLY MATCH REPORT THIS WEEK
Due to the continuing rail strikes and other commitments I am not going to make it this weekend. So a guest reporter has kindly stepped in to provide a view on the game. The report will appear later than normal, but I am sure will be well worth waiting for – although that may depend on the result.

If you are looking for good omens for this tough challenge, the team has only lost once in over five years and almost 150 games, when I was not there.