Match Preview

After away games at Blackburn for a warm up, Carlisle for the cup, then Durham for the League opener, the First XV finally make a season debut at Mint Bridge, having had a tough time on their travels, with new players coming in for those who have left, were injured or unavailable.

Another tough task against the team who were runners up last season, and lost out in the play-off to Blackburn, who were very impressive when we visited them last month. They also started with a loss, but theirs was by just two points in sixty one, away at Cleckheaton, picking up a double bonus point. They were 32v7 down at one point to score 22 unanswered points to come close to pulling off victory,

Last weekend this League was certainly free scoring, with an average of 50 points a game (exactly the total in our game - sadly most coming from the opposition), whilst there were seven try scoring bonus points and three losing bonus points in the seven games.

The teams have met once before, at the old Mint Bridge in April 1986

TEAM : Seven changes from the start line-up last week, plus two positional changes, with Nick Carlton going to full back and Ben Dixon moving onto the left wing. Alistair Thompson, makes it two back row men in the backs, as he is rewarded for a good second-half performance there last week, with a return to his old position in the centre, where he will partner Kris Bratton who was away last weekend.

Jack Lashley returns from injury and Liam Hayton comes into the second row, whilst there is a debut on the right wing for Rory Blakeney-Edwards.

Man of the Season from a few seasons back, Glenn Chesher makes a welcome return on the bench, after a season away.

WEATHER : Doesn’t look bad, so come down to Mint Bridge and give the team some much needed support, as they try to get their first win of the season.