Match Preview

Aireborough face Harrogate Pythons at Fortress Nunroyd on Saturday looking for their first victory of the 2017/18 season following defeats in their opening two matches at home to Northallerton and away to Sheffield Medicals last week.

Aireborough did the double over Pythons last season (a 28-18 victory at home early in the season and an impressive 27-17 victory away just before the Christmas break) and are unbeaten in three games against their North Yorkshire opponents. Pythons have had a mixed start to the season - opening the season with an excellent 28-14 victory away at Knottingley but then being 'nilled' at home by historical poor travelling Wensleydale 0-13 last week.

The Aireborough pack are reshuffled again with prop Simon Hill making his full debut for the 1st XV and are boosted by the return of James 'Greeny' Greenwood who has resigned for the club following a number of successful seasons with Yorkshire Division 2 outfit Wetherby. Rich Lister starts at hooker with resident hooker Nick Jackson on the bench as he comes back from a slight injury strain.

The backs welcome back Liam Cree into the centres following a shin injury and there's a start at 15 for Crusader stalwart Dave Krushell with Crusader vice-captain and utility back Iain Craven on the bench. Rob Johnson, back from his jollies, joins Iain on the bench and will be looking to make an impact once thrown into the fray by Si Davies.