Weekend Preview – 4th June 2021

Five of our local sporting sides are in action this weekend. Hull FC are in Challenge Cup action, Beverley ARLFC will look to continue their excellent form, while Beverley Town CC look to get back to winning ways after last weeks close defeat and Driffield Town CC play the same team Saturday, and Sunday.

Hull FC will attempt to get to another Challenge Cup final this weekend. The Black and Whites face St Helens for the second time in as many weeks. Last time out FC lost 34-16 with the Saints dominating much of the game. Head coach Brett Hodgson won a Challenge Cup as a player in 2012, a game in which he also won man of the match, scoring a try, and kicking five goals in the process. As a head coach, this is Hodgson’s first attempt at gaining silverware in the historic competition. Beating the league leader in the semi-finals would be a big step towards that. The Airlie Birds will be without a consistent performer, Joe Cator. The loose forward picked up a calf strain in last Friday’s battle. Connor Wynne returns to the 21-man squad. Saints will have Regan Grace and Tommy Makinson returning to their squad. Despite their recent successes in the league St Helens have not won a Challenge Cup since 2008. On the other hand, Hull had back to Wembley wins in 2016 and 2017. The kick-off is 2.30 pm.

Nick Robinson reports ahead of the Beverley ARLFC game: The Blue and Golds will entertain York Acorn at the earlier kick-off time of 1 pm at the Leisure Centre on Saturday. The kick-off has been brought forward to avoid a clash with the televised Challenge Cup Semi-Final between Hull FC and St Helens. Tony Spence, who will be unavailable on the day due to a family function, has handed over the reins to Scott Taylor. He commented ”We got the win last week (22-10 vs Myton Warriors), although not at our best. I put it down to coming down from the euphoria of the West Hull win. Our defence was still good, but we bombed a few chances in attack. York Acorn again are a division above us and bring some experienced campaigners to town and will start as favourites. If we can maintain the way, we defended the last 2 weeks I am confident though of making it 3 from 3. ” Team news from the camp is that Bobby Howdle looks set to miss out with a knee injury. A surprise first-team call for Charlie Gay looks on the cards. Alex Calvert and Josh Poskitt look set to go straight back into the 17 following last week’s absence. There seems unlikely to be any other changes.

Beverley Town CC lost agonisingly close fashion last time out against Sessay. Town look to get back to winning ways when they host Malton and Old Malton CC. Before last weeks defeat, Beverley had found some good form with wins over Welton CC and Hull Zingari. Driffield Town CC had a good start to the season, but in recent weeks their season has lost all momentum. Last weekend they lost both fixtures. This weekend they hope to beat the same team twice, Clifton Alliance CC. Saturday is a regular league fixture, Sunday sees the two teams meet in the Viking Cup.

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

Reported by: Simon Bromwich