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Bradford Salem v Heath
Interesting re-match from last week in the shield. It does seem odd that so many matches were against teams that were being played the following week. 3 sent off last week, 2 of which from Salem. Heath also claim to have suffered 3 injuries but it's not clear if they were first team regulars. However it was one of their props who was sent off so he could be missing for 4 weeks. Salem also lost a prop and their influential number 8. Will be closer than people think but Heath should pip it.
Hullensians v York Jug
The juggernaut certainly doesn't run as smoothly away from home but still remains unbeaten. Not too much to say about Hullensians as no one there seems capable of writing a match report....however they will be thinking hard about how to control the Jug, if that's possible. I would say bonus point within 25 mins for York and a win by over 40 point margin. Unless of course Hullensians really knuckle down.
Keighley v North Ribb
Ribb probably had an idea that they may struggle a bit this year but Keighley fully expected (and stated) that they would be challenging at the top. The way Keighley are playing, a home.match against Ribb is the closest they will come this season to a dead cert. They won't have many others. Ribb are slowly talking about players returning, they'd better hurry up and get their boots on! Home win with bonus point.
Moortown v W Hills
Another 2 sides that seem incapable of writing a few paragraphs about their matches. Hills are no dogs and have the firepower upfront to give them a fighting chance against most sides. But they don't seem to be able to turn their various strengths into points or wins. Moortown went a season without loss but have found victories few and far between this year. Could be a bit of an arm wrestle and I don't see either side pulling away and try bonus points unlikely.
Old Rish v M'Boro
I have the feeling that Old Rish quite fancy themselves in this league and they certainly did ok against York (although still thrashed). Middlesbrough are hard to call. They have a couple of players missing following a red card in two games (one may be back?) They have a competent fly half and a quick running 12 but there is some question marks over their forwards. Rish will be expecting to win this but Middlesbrough won't want to slip into a losing habit. On balance I think Rish will pip this one.
Scabs v Brods
The re-match. Scabs still with 2 banned players and then had another 3 come off injured last week. With others at a stupid mid season wedding then who knows what will happen here. Brods lost their unbeaten record last week and their good defensive record was challenged. They will want to bounce back this week and take revenge in the league. Very close match expected between 2nd and 3rd.
Selby v Beverley
The talk is of Selby having their best player (by some distance apparently) back and playing. I don't know what position he plays but can one player make a difference? Well in the right circumstances and position, yes they can. It may prove a lift to other players. Beverley continue to quietly move on only really slipping up when their availability of players lets them down. Beverley are a well run club who manage to post match reports for all their games! Bev are a backs oriented side much so will depend on whether Selby have recently had one of their two annual cuts of grass!! If the grass is it's often knee length then there won't be much running rugby! Bev are heavily influenced by their usual 8 and 10. If either are missing then they are not as good. High scoring game (possibly both getting try bonus) but Beverley will run clear.
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