Hull travel to Otley this weekend knowing that they must win to keep their hopes of remaining in National League 2 North alive. Otley have not been without their troubles this season but with six wins and forty two points they seem all but out of danger but could yet be drawn into to a play off.
Since Christmas Hull Have played enterprising attractive rugby and have been ahead at half time in a number of games but have not been able to close games out . This week they are able to field a strong pack with good support from the bench in the hope that they can keep up the pressure on Otley and come away with a much needed victory. last time out Hull curbed their penalty count and ran Darlington close for the second time this season leaving their opponents scratching their heads as to why Hull find themselves in the situation they are in.
Hull have made a change in the starting front row with Danny Ward starting with Jack Bergmans and Mike Jobling with the hugely experienced props Charlie Beech and Loma Kivalu on the bench with the very promising hooker Oliver Fretwell as front row reinforcements .
Alec Renouf teams up in the second row again with David Halaifonua and a competitive back row of Harvey Harding, Paulos latu and Noah Marshall completes to pack’s starting line up. The backs see the pacy Harry Pinder start at scrum half with Reece Dean at off half with the three quarters remaining the same as they were against Darlington with captain Ali Heard partnering Jack Render in the centre with Harry Dawkins and Tom Lineham on the wings and James Farrar at fullback.
The bench is completed with two multi positional players Harry Gunn-Mclean and Josh Ratuvou covering the back row and back division.
Although this is a vital game for Hull will probably should stick to their open running style that has brought them great attacking success recently. If the pack can get the edge on their opposite numbers and Hull’s lineout works well their will be tries a plenty and a win is a real possibility.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 