Weekend Preview – 23rd July 2021

This weekend is jam-packed with local sport. Two rugby league games, all four of our footballing sides have pre-season fixtures and both cricket teams will play. Only Beverley ARLFC and Beverley RUFC are absent.

Hull FC travelled to Huddersfield Giants last night. Without several first-team players, the Black and Whites battled hard, but it was not enough. A close first half saw Tuimavave, Vulikijapani, and Lane all score as the sides fought for the lead. The Giants saw the better of the second half eventually running out 40-26 winners, you can read the full report here.

Hull Kingston Rovers return to the field this weekend for the first time in over a month. The Robins had been on a great run of form beating Wigan 18-8 away from home most recently. Problems with self-isolation and covid in the Rovers camp has meant several postponements since. Tony Smith can name almost his strongest side with only a few players out due to injury. It will be a tough test as Catalans are sat top of the Super League table with only one defeat this season. Despite this, the Robins took the Dragons to golden point during the season opener. Kick-off in Perpignan is 5 pm on Saturday.

Beverley Town CC have two fixtures this weekend. Hoping to follow on from a great win last weekend they have a trip to out of form Goole Town CC in the league. Sunday is the semi-final of the Hunter Cup. Town will take on Harrogate seconds in Harrogate. Both come off the back of good form which makes for a good game. Driffield Town CC have a league fixture against Woodhouse Grange. Driffield had a close defeat last week to York CC and come up against Woodhouse who have lost five on the bounce.

Hull City have their first pre-season friendlies on Saturday. Two games on the same day meaning the entire first-team squad will get a run out of equal proportions. Honeyman, Elder and Wilks all are missing through injury. Mansfield will be a noon kick off at the MKM Stadium, which will be the first time City fans can see the players in action since February 2020. The second fixture is over the bridge against Scunthorpe United, a 3 pm kick-off. This means several fans and staff members will be attending both games to get a good look at last seasons players and the five new players who will be on show.

North Ferriby have their final friendly ahead of the new season. The Villagers host Albion Sports at the Dransfield Stadium. It has been a productive pre-season for manager Chris Bolder. Wednesday night saw a dramatic late win, 3-2, over Grimsby Borough. Beverley Town continue their pre-season preparations this week and you can hear their manager Mike Thompson speaking with Tom Cavanagh on the show this Saturday. Hull City Ladies have their second fixture of the close season as they host Bradford City Women at North Cave this Sunday. Last week was a big learning curve for Adie Costello’s side after a 5-1 beating by Chorley.

Find all of last weeks results and round-up, here.

Report by: Simon Bromwich