Hull take on the north eastern side Blaydon this Saturday and will be looking to maintain their 100% home record against a side who have not travelled well this season. Blaydon have the ability to score tries and on their own all weather pitch can cause real problems as Hull Ionians can testify to as they recently lost away to Blaydon.
Hull coach Gary Pearce is aware that Blaydon have some players of real talent and that if you give them any space they can make life difficult .However one of Hull’s strengths this year has been the ability to close down sides and put them under pressure when they have the ball and Blaydon will need to be on their best form to breach the best defence in this league.
With the need to keep up the momentum Hull will field a strong side and it looks as though prop Charlie Beech will be able to lo play despite leaving the field with a shoulder injury last week at Bournville. Hooker/back row man Ali Thompson is available again as is backrow forward Latu Makaafi and with no other forwards on the injured list Hull will be able to select from the full squad.
In the backs there is a doubt over centre Steven Johnson’s fitness as he strained his knee last week and he will be monitored to see if he is fit to play. Hull have options in the back division as winger Keane Naylor has been cleared to play after his injury against Sedgley Park and Iosefo Turaga can play centre or wing so there is good cover depending on the final outcome of Steve Johnson’s fitness for Saturday.
Hull will give respect to a side that can score tries and that has recently beaten local rivals Hull Ionians but they will be looking to exert pressure at the set pieces and generate forward momentum. If Hull are able to gain good field positions they will be dangerous from scrums, lineouts and open play so they will be looking to wear down the north Easterners and come away with a maximum points haul.
If Hull maintain their discipline and can avoid any cards being shown by the referee they should have too much for Blaydon.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 