Weekend Preview – 24th September 2021

We have a busy weekend ahead with seven fixtures across football, rugby league and rugby union. The rugby league season draws to a close once again, two local players have been included on the Man of Steel shortlist. Jordan Abdull has been a key component from half-back at Hull KR as they make a shock entry into the play-offs. Jake Connor for Hull FC in a season of very few positives has been excellent at times, tallying up 22 assists from his newly found position at full-back.

Rugby League
Hull Kingston Rovers enter the play-offs for the first time in eight years. The Robins have been the surprise package this season and pulled off some great results including doing the double over Wigan. As the season draws to a close Rovers have picked up several key first-team injuries, Hall, Minikin, Parcell all missing from the past few games on top of long-term absentees such as Hadley, Quinlan and Minchella. Tony Smith will still be able to field a strong side and will hope for a much-improved performance from the 36-12 defeat a Leeds last time out. Warrington enter the play-offs on the back of good form with four wins from the last five.

Football
Hull City are in desperate need of some points on the board. The Tigers have dropped into the relegation places after a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Sheffield United last time out. City did manage to score which was another worry for Grant McCann’s men. Saturday’s opponents Stoke may be sat in 5th place but have only won one of the last four. Interestingly the Potters could field five former City players.

Beverley Town aim for a continuation of the good form seen so far this season. Town were due to play Hull United last week however the fixture was postponed. This weekend is a home fixture against Hessle Rangers. Mike Thompson Beverley’s manager spoke to reporter Tom Cavanagh on the Thursday Night Fixture last night.

North Ferriby will look to continue their unbeaten run to the start of the season when they entertain Worsborough Bridge Athletic at the Dransfield Stadium on Saturday with a 3 p.m. kick-off. Ferriby are the only team yet to lose a game in the division after a 2-1 win at Dronfield on Tuesday night with goals from Harvey Carew and Niall Tilsley. The Villagers have kindly provided a pre-match preview.

Hall Road Rangers are in FA Vase action on Saturday as they travel to Gorton, a suburb of Manchester, to take on Abbey Hey FC in a Second Qualifying Round tie at the Abbey Stadium. Rangers come into this game with a good amount of confidence after Tuesday night’s victory against Shirebrook Town. Abbey Hey sit in 4th place in the North West Counties League Division One South. They’ve won eight of their 11 league games so far this season. Read the full preview from Oliver Harsley.

Hull City Ladies host Burnley for the second time in a fortnight. The two sides met in the League Cup when Burnley ran out 7-2 victors. It was a close affair for 70 minutes of that game but Burnley took advantage of the tiring, young Tigress’. Adie Costello will be desperate to add to the solitary league point they have scored so far this season.

Rugby Union
Beverley RUFC had an excellent start to the season with a victory. The past two fixtures have ended in a disappointing defeat for the Beavers. This Saturday they host Bradford Salem at Beaver Park. Chairman Brian Gilbert spoke to Tom Cavanagh on the Thursday Night Fixture.

Reported by: Simon Bromwich