A win of any sort of over struggling Firwood & Waterloo at Lockwood Park on Saturday could put Huddersfield Rugby Union Club back on top of National III North.

As Field begin to work their way through their fixture pile up (3pm), one loss and one victory, coming last weekend against Rossendale, have left them second, two points behind leaders Stockport.

With two games in hand on their main promotion rivals, if Stockport fail to extend their own winning run, Huddersfield would leapfrog them into first place and become clear favourites for the title.

Although Firwood are 11th, they travel to Lockwood Park in fine fettle with four wins in their last five fixtures, making them one of the form sides in the league.

Huddersfield have had mixed fortunes, but first-team manager Lee Paxman was happy with the way they played after a month-long lay-off.

“To take Stockport all the way was a good achievement after a month off and, with fresher legs or bit more luck then who knows?” said Paxman.

“Last week’s performance was very impressive as we took apart a strong Rossendale pack and scored some very nice tries through exciting backs play.”

Huddersfield name the same pack which outplayed their Rossendale counterparts. The only changes to the side are in the backs. With Michael Clarke unavailable for selection, Elliot

Hodgson moves to the vacant wing spot.

Tom Hodson, who played impressively last week at fly half, returns to his more accustomed position of full back, which allows Giles Hetherington to slot back in at No10.

Yorkshire Under 20 starlet Daniel Jeffery returns to the bench, where he is joined by back rower Ross Thornton and the returning Anthony Stringwell.

Last time these two sides met, Huddersfield powered to a 57-17 win against a young Firwood side, but with the visitors scrapping to avoid relegation it could be much closer this time.

Under 16s are allowed in free to the match.

Huddersfield’s Academy are in Yorkshire Cup semi-final action at Abbeydale this weekend and would welcome plenty of support.

Huddersfield – Battye, Davies, Birkhead, Rhodes (G), Rhodes (N), Sykes, Hoyle, Sharpe, Hinchliffe, Hetherington, Van Rooyen, Owen, Mitchell, Hodgson, Hodson. Bench: Stringwell, Thornton, Jeffrey.

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