Hull have enjoyed their best ever start to the season in the fourth tier of English rugby having only lost one of their first seven games and that was to high flying Stourbridge who are the only club who have won all their games this season.
Hull have embarked on a five-game winning sequence which has taken them to third place in National League 2 after getting the better of a spirited Huddersfield side last weekend in a match in which both sides tackled very well. Hull’s scrum and lineout ensured a good supply of ball in a 27-7 win.
This week’s visitors to Chants Ave, Harrogate, have had the opposite experience having won just one game against Blaydon. They have conceded a lot of points, but have been able keep their own points tally ticking over in most games. Last week’s game when they lost 46-22 against Stourbridge is a case in point.
Hull’s pack have started the season in great form and their scrum has got the better of every side with the possible exception of Stourbridge. This has laid the foundation for their unbeaten run and may well do so again this week.
Coach Gary Pearce welcomes back Lawrence Cowan to the side this weekend and he will strengthen the back row whether he starts or comes off the substitutes bench. There were no serious injuries in the last seven days so Hull should be able to field a full strength side.
Hull’s pack are working well and are becoming a formidable unit. The whole side is defending very well as their points against tally can testify and their habit of moving ahead in the second period of most games is a testament to their good level of fitness.
The back division works well and has enough pace on the wings to trouble most defences, so if Hull are able to focus on the task in hand and take nothing for granted, they have every chance to extend their unbeaten run to six this weekend.
See you at Chants Ave on Saturday, 2pm kick-off!
– Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 