Last Saturday the first ever league fixture between the two clubs ended in a 34-16 victory for Hull RUFC over their visitors Scunthorpe. The final try tally of five to two emphasised Hull’s all-round quality but did not reflect the effort put in by the Lincolnshire side who gave Hull a very tough game. Hull’s tries came from Tom O’Donnell (2), Mike Adlard, Alex Heard and Steve Johnson, with Simon Humberstone landing three conversions and a penalty goal.
Elsewhere in the division, leaders Caldy consolidated their position with an emphatic 38-13 home win over Huddersfield who actually led 13-6 at the interval but fell away badly in the second period of the game. Chester had an equally convincing win over visitors Tynedale by 36-17, scoring six tries in the process whilst in the Midlands derby at Hinckley the home side hammered Stourbridge by 32-3 after leading 18-3 at the break.
Loughborough Students also scored six tries in a 48-12 home demolition of Wharfedale who trailed 27-7 at half-time and got no better during the second half. Luctonians gave a very good performance away to Preston Grasshoppers where they took all five points in a 29-3 victory. ‘Hoppers have now lost their last five fixtures and dropped into the bottom three. Otley pushed second-placed visitors Fylde to the limit in a tight game which they led 14-12 at the break before Fylde took the game by 23-14. In what was probably the game of the day at Dore Moor, Sheffield Tigers suffered a rare home defeat at the hands of Sedgley Park Tigers by 29-19. Sedge took all five points in this game to win their fourth consecutive match. The home side did themselves no favours by conceding nineteen penalties during the game, which coach Jamie Broadley described as ‘frustrating and far too high’.
The outcome of the day’s activities saw Sedgley Park move back into third place behind Fylde and leaders Caldy while Sheffield dropped down to fifth behind Loughborough who are now fourth. In the nether regions Scunthorpe are still without a win on just five points, ‘Hoppers are on eighteen points and Huddersfield are back in the bottom three with twenty-three points. Hull have moved up to eleventh on twenty-seven points whilst Luctonians are also out of the bottom three on twenty-five points.
The next round of fixtures on Saturday show some interesting clashes at both end of the table and the game between Fylde and Sedgley Park, where 2nd meet 3rd has all the makings of a cracker. Sedge will fancy their chances following their good win at Sheff Tigers and will be looking for their fifth consecutive win. 9th placed Hinckley entertain 5th placed SheffTigers and will be buoyed up after their big win over Stourbridge whilst the Tigers have had a few scalps on the road this season and will be confident of a win.
Lockwood Park at Huddersfield is always a daunting place to visit but I am sure that Loughborough will not be too impressed with ‘Fields form this season and will want to do well against their second game against Yorkshire opposition in consecutive weeks. ‘Hoppers are on a very poor run of form at the moment and Hull will fancy their chances after their last away game at Fylde two weeks ago but it all points to a tight game. Bottom side Scunthorpe entertain 10th placed Otley and although Scunthorpe will take heart from their good display at Hull last week it should prove to be an away win for the Yorkshiremen who gave Fylde such a hard time last week.
Stourbridge v Chester could be a battle royal between 7th and 8th with Stour eager to erase their heavy home defeat last week while Chester will be full of confidence following their excellent home win over Tynedale. Tynedale v Caldy sees the league leader’s visit the 6th placed club in what could be a very hard game for Caldy. Tyne at home are a different proposition to Tyne away and this game could be a cracking match to watch. Last, but certainly not least, is the Wharfedale v Luctonians game. Wharfe will be eager to put last week’s heavy defeat behind them whilst Lucs will look to build on their impressive defeat of ‘Hoppers on the same day.
My three games of the day are Fylde v Sedgley Park, Hinckley v Sheff Tigers and Tynedale v Caldy.
Wherever you are, enjoy your rugby.
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