YMCA are faced with another of those ‘must-win’ games again tomorrow, when Sheffield are the visitors to Laund Hill (2.15).
Unfortunately, coach Carl Thewlis’ side has slipped up in several similar games which they needed to win against teams in the bottom half of the table so far this season, which is why they are now perilously placed, joint second bottom with Keighley.
And after five successive defeats (four league, one Cup), it is imperative his young side hit the winning trail very soon or they face hitting the New Year with a relegation hangover.
Burly second-rower Simon Whitehead, left, could be in line to return from injury which would stiffen up the pack, while prop Brad Dobson may be also be available after missing the EDF Junior Vase third round defeat last week at Wirral.
As YMCA Colts have a home game against Selby on Sunday, the likelihood is that Gavin Stead and Adam Ryder will be the only two remaining in the senior squad this week.
Sheffield are two places above YMCA with just six points, gleaned from wins over Keighley, Malton & Norton and Bradford Salem,
Under-siege Thewlis will see tomorrow’s home game as a big chance to clinch their third Yorkshire I success of this campaign, which would also see his side rise above Sheffield in the table.
YMCA: Williams; Belton, Stead, Eastwood, Ryder; Sargeant, Wulff; Van Nierkirk, Joblin, Gregson, Pearson, Housley, Coulson, Anderson, Walker. Subs: Whitehead, Bracken, Marshall.
Third XV (Friendly, TBA): Saville, Orr, Earnshaw, Young, Thomas, Woodfs, Hellawell, Senior, Bandy, Sykes, Sample, Hirst, Noble (R), Stevenson, Noble (K). Subs: Murphy, Flaherty, Butterworth, Hall.
Colts (Selby, home, 12.30): Bell, Dyke, Dyke, Orton-Blue, Orton-Blue, Willans, Housley, Hodge, Hopkins, Marshall, Walsh, Senior, Pearce, Ryder, Wrafter, Bentley, Stead, Calvert.
