This weekend will see Hull and East Riding’s two senior sides meet in a derby battle which has produced some great rugby and desperately close results over the years.
Last season’s games saw Hull Ionians win at Hull, building a half-time lead then resisting the home side’s second half comeback. But in the return fixture at Brantingham Park, the visitors won just before Christmas to the last move of the game in as thrilling conclusion to a game as one could wish to see.
Last weekend both sides lost their opening fixtures despite having home advantage. Hull Ionians went down 39-27 to Lymm in a free-scoring game whilst Hull lost to Otley by a point in a game they had lead until the 73rd minute.
Saturday promises to be a game of high intensity with both sides keen to kick start their campaigns. Hull will be without second row Liam Regardsoe due to injury but Bill Addy is a likely replacement. Prop Charlie Beech comes back into contention which could be the only change to the squad from last week’s team sheet.
Hull may contemplate a slightly different starting XV depending on the tactical considerations director of rugby Mike Umaga and his assistant Tony Penn have to take into account.
Hull have enough pace to create try-scoring situations, but will need to take all their scoring opportunities if they are to put daylight between themselves and the visitors as the game goes into the later stages. It is likely to be a close contest with both sides looking for their first win of the season.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 