NEWSOME Panthers will be desperate to make the most of home advantage when they host Holliday Cup holders Slaithwaite Saracens in the semi-final tomorrow.
In a repeat of last season’s Lockwood Park final, the Pennine League First Division side go in search of the sweetest of revenge against the side that denied them Holliday Cup glory eight months earlier.
The Panthers eventually went down 24-6 in the traditional Easter Monday finale as the Saracens made their Premier Division status count in the second period.
Slaithwaite will again be the red-hot favourites, having won six of their seven top-flight fixtures so far this season.
But with the Panthers having nothing to lose, the Saracens will be expecting to find themselves under pressure early on – and how they handle that could help determine the final outcome.
That, however, is the only semi-final clash taking place this weekend due to the postponement of the last-four battle between Meltham All Blacks and Emley Moor.
Unfortunately, the tie has had to be called off because of the catalogue of injuries currently being suffered by the All Blacks.
Back on the Pennine League front, St Joseph’s will be determined to build on their opening Championship Division triumph of the season a week ago when they host New Earswick All Blacks.
And as this was the side they beat away six days ago, hopes will be high a quick-fire double can be completed.
There are away assignments for both of the town’s Second Division sides in action tomorrow.
In-form Lindley Swifts face third-placed Boothtown Terriers, while Underbank Rangers head for fellow mid-table team Dodworth.
Slaithwaite Saracens’ second string are looking in good shape to mount a serious Division V title challenge and should chalk up win No7 at home to Hollinwood.
At the same time, fellow Division V side Newsome A are involved in a basement battle at Eastmoor Dragons.
And there’s a similar tussle in Division VII where Underbank A entertain Farnley A in the battle between the bottom two.
