EMLEY MOOR may be favourites to win their Holliday Cup clash at Meltham All Blacks tomorrow (2.00) and book an Easter Monday final meeting with holders Slaithwaite Saracens.
But the Pennine League Second Division leaders know they won’t be able to take anything for granted against their title-chasing Division V hosts.
It’s a classic case of the All Blacks going into their dream last-four clash knowing they have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.
They will also be determined to make home advantage count, having made their Meltham Sports Complex venue something of a fortress.
On top of that, the buoyant All Blacks are hoping to be back to full strength, after last month’s original semi-final date was crossed off due to the fact Meltham were struggling for numbers.
They should be stronger than a week ago when they maintained third spot in the Division V table with a 16-16 draw at a good Crofton Cougars side in which Ryan White scored two tries and Josh Worrall added a third and also added two goals, so their confidence will be high.
Yet having said all this, it would still be a shock if in-form Moor were to slip-up.
As well as winning nine and drawing one of their opening 11 League games to sit a point clear at the top of the Division II table, they also celebrated a 34-24 Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy second-round triumph six days ago.
The visitors will be expecting fired-up Meltham to be an even stronger proposition this weekend, and they know only their best is going to be good enough.
The focus for Huddersfield’s clubs are also knockout competitions, with second-round action in the Pennine President’s Cup, Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy and Supplementary Cup.
Slaithwaite Saracens are involved in the President’s Cup tie of the round when they host Premier Division rivals Hunslet old Boys.
The hosts are currently fifth in the top-flight table and the visitors fourth, which means it has all the makings of being a quality tussle.
At the same time, Championship side St Joseph’s face a tough test at Premier Queens, while First Division Newsome Panthers also have a challenging assignment at mid-table Championship club Nevison Leap.
In the Memorial Trophy, Second Division Underbank Rangers should be too strong at home for Division III side Littleborough.
But Lindley Swifts face a tough test at fellow Division II team Illingworth, who are second in the table behind Emley Moor.
Division V leaders Slaithwaite A are clearly having an excellent season and will be hoping to maintain that form at home to fellow Fifth Division side Brighouse A in the Supplementary Cup.
