Match Preview

With the four promotion contending teams having tough matches this weekend, Ionians play Fylde, Otley’s trip up to the North East could be pivotal if they are to stay on course for a top four finish. Otley produced a powerful performance fighting back to defeat Sheffield Tigers who had a great set of backs last week, and it cannot be forgotten we are now six points off the top two and stranger things have happened!

This Saturday is not going to be any less of a challenge. Tynedale will be looking to avenge their 32-17 defeat at Otley earlier in the season when we turned the match on its head, scoring 27 unanswered second half points after they had led 17-5 at the interval. That must have hurt, but not as much as the 100 plus points we have shipped in our last two games up there.

The North-East outfit come into this clash on the back of a sparkling performance against Sedgley Park which saw them return to winning ways, and up to the seventh in the league. Like Hadrian’s Wall, their ground is something of a fortress and they haven’t lost since September. Time for a change.

The Saracens don't have a game this weekend as Northallerton pulled out, and we have not been able to find a fixture in the pool regime.

Don't forget England v Wales on the big screen next weekend.