Fylde travel to Huddersfield RUFC‘s Lockwood Park on Saturday (ko 14.00) seeking to turn around two successive defeats in National Two (North). A brave display and a narrow 27-32 defeat against Rotherham Titans at the Woodlands was followed by a less impressive show (45-22) at Tynedale last Saturday.
Fylde and Huddersfield have had numerous close and competitive games over the last 15 years. The Yorkshire club have struggled in the past three or four seasons and are currently in 14th and bottom place in the division.
‘Field have been unlucky numerous times during the season. exemplified by last Saturday’s display at Sheffield Tigers’ Dore Moor Ground. They led by 24-32 with 5 minutes to fulltime. However, a Tigers converted try in the 78th minute put the pressure on ‘Field and their misery was compounded when they conceded a 80th minute penalty which was kicked to give the home side a 34-32 victory. This performance will give ‘Field every confidence for the visit of Fylde.
Their Director of Rugby, Neil Ryan, is well known in Lancashire and is very familiar with Fylde players and their playing style. He has a squad with some excellent players including the versatile Lewis Workman, most usually at fullback, centre and goal kicker Ed Barber and in the pack hooker Ethan Myers, prop Andrew Rollins, lock Alex Dawson and backrowers Lewis Quinn, Tom Haywood and no 8 Luke Pearson.
Fylde’s team selection has been delayed by uncertainties over some injuries. They will be hoping for a double over the hosts following a 62-19 win at the Woodlands in November.