Weekend Preview – 25th June 2021

It’s a busy weekend with; four of our local teams are in action, further postponements for Hull KR, fixtures being announced for Hull City, whilst Hull City Ladies have broadcast their pre-season fixtures and new signings.

Hull FC return to the field this evening against Huddersfield Giants. Brett Hodgson has a threadbare squad. Last week saw FC wallop Leigh 64-22, with nine first-team injuries. This week they have the added bonus of two returning and Jack Logan joining on loan, however, Jake Connor, Andre Savelio and Chris Satae all will be representing the Combined Nations All-Stars this evening against England. Their opponents, Huddersfield called for the game to be postponed due to five players also representing in the England vs All-Stars game. The Giants are on some sticky form which has seen them lose the last two to teams around them near the lower reaches of the table. The kick-off tonight is at 19.45.

Beverley ARLFC return to action this weekend, Nick Robinson reports: The Blue and Golds will return to action this weekend after a fortnight’s lay-off. They will travel to Bradford to play Dudley Hill in a cross-division fixture. It will be the longest trip in this Covid-effected regionalised format. The fixture should be evenly balanced with both sides previously plying their trade-in NCL 2 prior to lockdown. Tony Spence is expected to name a much-changed outfit ahead of the clash. Louis Hubbard (shoulder), Louis Poskitt (knee) and Alfie Hart-Fisher (knee) are all nursing injuries. Ryan Watkin, Bobby Howdle and Alex Starling have work, family, and holiday commitments respectively. Francis Coggle, Isaac Merryweather and Joe McKenzie are expected to be drafted into the 17 together with some shuffling around of the positions. Jack Howdle is likely to start at stand-off half with Sam Coleman slotting in at loose man.
An upbeat Spence commented ”I always intended to utilise the squad in this regionalised season, but it’s forced on me this week. Some of our youngsters will get some valuable minutes on Saturday and that can only be good for 2022. There are times like this in amateur rugby league. I don’t know a great deal about Dudley Hill as I’ve not met them for some time but it’s a wide playing area so an expansive game may be needed.”

Beverley Town CC are away at Welton CC on Saturday. Beverley had two good victories in an excellent showing last weekend. Town have already felled their opponents once this season. Heading into this game Welton lost their last three. Driffield Town CC will have some of their missing players available for selection this weekend. Even without some key men, Driff have won the last two. They host the Dunnington CC who have been inconsistent in recent weeks.

Hull Kingston Rovers have seen an additional two fixtures postponed. The Robins were due to play St Helens this evening but the game was called off earlier in the week. A further round of testing has revealed eight more players are positive for Covid-19. The fixtures in question are the big derby against Hull FC and the game at home to Catalans Dragons.

Hull City Ladies have announced the signings of Lois Damms and Olivia Sellars today, ahead of the new season. Adrian Costello has been looking to improve and build on some impressive results last campaign. The Tigresses have announced their preseason fixtures; starting on 11th July with Bolton Wanderers, Chorley and Bradford will also visit Haworth Park in the following weeks. Before a trip to Stoke City and rounding off with Manchester United Development at home.

The Championship fixtures have been released for the 2021/22 season. Hull City will travel to Deepdale, taking on Preston North End for their return to the second tier. QPR will be the first side to visit the newly named MKM stadium. Boxing Day sees City host Blackburn but are away at Blackpool on New Years Day. The final game is at home to Nottingham Forest. Grant McCann’s side will host Wigan in the Carabao Cup first round.

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

Report by: Simon Bromwich