TOP Pennine League Premier Division club Slaithwaite Saracens are big fans of the Huddersfield Giants.

Many of their players and officials split their time between their commitments with the ambitious Huddersfield amateur club and watching the Giants in Super League.

Their passion for both is huge.

But this weekend is different.

For one week only, Slaithwaite Saracens are switching their allegiance en masse.

On Sunday, they will all be rooting for Co-operative Championship club Swinton Lions in their fifth-round Challenge Cup clash against the Giants at the Galpharm Stadium.

The reason for that is simple. The amateur club wants to give its full support to Saracens stalwarts Darren and Ritchie Hawkyard and assistant coach Marlon Billy.

Brothers Darren and Ritchie have both played and coached at the Saracens for a number of years, while Marlon is a member of Slaithwaite’s coaching team.

As a result, the club feel they deserve to give something back to the trio – even though it means turning their back on their favourite Super League club!

And it’s a gesture Ritchie really appreciates.

“The banter between the three of us at Swinton and everyone at the Saracens has been non-stop,” said full-back Hawkyard.

“As soon as the draw was made, the text messages started, and they’ve just not stopped.

“To be honest, I didn’t know when the draw was being made. I was decorating at the time.

“But when I took a break, I picked up my mobile phone and saw dozens and dozens of messages all asking me what my reaction was to playing the Giants at the Galpharm – quickly followed by numerous requests for free tickets!

“Obviously, a lot of them were wishing me the best of luck, because they all feel we’re going to need it!

“But it’s fantastic to know so many at Slaithwaite are going to support me, Daz and Marlon at the weekend rather than the Giants, because I know how many of them go down to the Galpharm to watch them.

“A lot them have said they’ll be wearing their Saracens shirts and going to sit with the Swinton fans, which is fantastic.

“In fact, the way the club have got behind us for this one has been amazing. It’s given me a real buzz.”

The tie has also captured the imagination for Hawkyard far closer to home.

“My girlfriend, Faye, her dad and brother have also promised to support me and the Lions this weekend – even though they’re Giants season-ticket holders!” he added.

“As you can imagine, that’s also caused a fair amount of amusement.

“But with being Huddersfield born and bred, I suppose this is an occupational hazard for me.

“I remember what it was like when I made Bradford Bulls Super League debut at the Giants the other year.

That was an amazing experience, even though we did end up being comfortably beaten. I’m sure it’ll be an amazing experience again on Sunday.

“As well as knowing a lot of Giants fans who’ll be watching, I’m also going to be coming up against some good mates in the Huddersfield side.

“I played in the juniors with Leroy Cudjoe and Luke George from about the age of 10, while I also get on really well with the Huddersfield other lads, too.

“But I don’t think that means they’ll treat me any differently this weekend.

“I know how keen the Giants are to go along way in the competition, so you can forget about friendships this weekend!

“Everyone at Swinton knows how tough it’s going to be.”