Siddal must stay focused

Siddal face an unpredicatable afternoon tomorrow when they host the National Conference Premier Division’s bottom side Hull Dockers. Coach Gareth Greenwood said he is never sure what kind of side Dockers will put out. However, he has already had one look at them this season after they knocked the Chevinedge side out of the Challenge Cup.

“We had a shocker over there and of course they went on to play Halifax,” said Greenwood. “They can be very inconsistent but seem to get themselves up for the bigger games.”

Siddal saw off Skirlaugh 224 last week to move into fourth in the table.

Tries from Hamish Barnes, Shaun Garrod, Ian Davies and Jaymes Chapman - plus Gareth Blackburn’s four goals - secured the points.

Chapman is unavilable so George Ambler steps back in. Barnes is rated 50/50 with a knee injury. Ovenden player-coach Gareth English is calling for more of the same when his side host Leigh East in a Division Two clash.

The Four Fields side continued their fine start with a 36-6 success over Castleford Panthers last week in what English described as a “full 80 minute performance.”

Luke O’Mara and Chris Geohegan crossed twice with Matthew Dawson, Sean Dyson and Nathan Smith among the tries. Niall Brady kicked four goals

Leigh East have made a slow start by their standards, having lost their three games to date. However, English knows they cannot be taken lightly.

“I know they have lost three games, but they are traditionally a strong side and always there or thereabouts,” said English. “If we can play like we did against Castleford then I am confident we can get the result.”

English will give late fitness tests to Matty Collins ( hernia), and Matthew Dawson (knee). Karl Fairbank is looking for his side to turn performances into points starting at home to Pilkington Recs tomorrow.

Elland were beaten 12-10 by leaders Kells last weekend - but they gave the ambitious club a run for their money.

“It was a great performance against a club who are talking about being in the Premier Division in two years time,” said Fairbank. “We came away with pride intact while giving them a bit of a wake-up call.

“I am really confident in the players I have and we just need to turn these performances into points.”

Junaid Malik is unavailable and Jack Fairbank is struggling with a shoulder injury.