The two First XV sides have meet once before, at the start of last season when Hinckley travelled up to Cross Green for a pre-season match which Otley won 31-14.

Otley’s away form has been poor this season, and whilst we have played a number in the top half of the league it was disappointing that we could not secure a win against Scunthorpe last week after such a promising start. There was a lively discussion on the bus back afterwards as to what areas they need to work on, and hopefully this will pay dividends on Saturday. If anybody is looking for an omen, our last away win was on 5 March against Broadstreet, whose ground is less than twenty miles from Hinckley’s.

Hinckley fell to the bottom of the league table last Saturday after they were thumped 51-17 at Preston, and Harrogate were able to get their first win against Leicester Lions. Hinckley have only won once this season, at Rudding Lane in the opening game of the season. Hinckley have had some tough opposition at their Leicester Road ground, having hosted Sale, Sedgley Park and Caldy. This probably goes some way to explain their 109 points deficit.

Saturday will see the first side Hinckley have played at home from the second half of the table, and will no doubt have looked at our away form. Putting the earlier match to one side as there was no consequence to it, they will be targeting it to kick start their season. Whilst we don’t necessarily want to do our local rival any favours this early in the season, an away win will be just the tonic the Cross Greeners need.

Forwards
Will Rigg, Luke Chadwick, Tiploma Kivalu, Declan Dunn, Simon Willett, Tom O’Donnell, Sam Hudson and Freddie Watson
Backs
Max Johnson, Nick Coupland, Paul Petchey, Jack Mackie, Henry Roberts, James Wood and Tom Hodson
Subs
George Burkinshaw, Ben Steele, Harry Wales, Sam Cook and TBC

For those going to the game – LE10 3DR
Head south for J2 on the M69 to take the B4669 (Sapcote Road) exit to Hinckley. After the second roundabout turn right onto the B4668 (Leicester Road), the ground is a mile and a half down the road on the left.

Go Otley!!