Hull make one of their longer journeys this week when they travel to the North East to take on Tynedale side that has an extraordinary record this season having won three and drawn three games so far this season.
The occasional heavy defeat has been interspersed with close games against the top teams like Lymm and three victories against Harrogate, Otley and Hull’s near neighbours, Hull Ionians.
Hull beat Harrogate last week but narrowly lost to Otely and more heavily to Hull Ionians right at the start of the season. The only conclusion to be drawn from that is there is no consistent form guide in this league outside the top three clubs.
Tynedale sit in ninth place just two places above Hull and if Hull could win on Saturday they would leapfrog the north easterners who currently have a two-point advantage.
Hull will welcome back several players into their squad this week which increases competition for the starting line up.
Peter Hudson-Kowalewicz should be fit again as a winger/centre and has been very consistent throughout the season. In the forwards, second rowers Liam Regardsoe and Bill Addy should be available to compete for places in the pack. Last week saw the return of back row man Paulos Latu after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a long-term injury but despite limping off at the end of the game last week he should be fit for this weekends fixture.
Hull have won two of their last three games and last week edged the lineout battle taking two of Harrogate’s whilst losing non of their own. They also showed more composure in atrocious conditions, when in possession to deservedly take the spoils.
With a strong squad to select from Hull can travel with confidence but Tynedale are an improving side who will give their all to maintain their recent momentum but if Hull can repeat their first phase performance of last week and their control of the ball in attack they will be in a good position to move up the league.
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