Revenge will be very much on Huddersfield YMCA’s minds when they host National III North Rossendale at Laund Hill tomorrow.
Memories of their embarrassing 64-3 away defeat to this weekend’s visitors three months ago are still proving painful.
YMCA strike centre Adam Ryder admits it was by far the worst moment of his playing career so far.
But Ryder also knows how sweet the feeling will be to exact revenge this weekend.
“That day at Rossendale was as bad as it gets. It’s the most embarrassing moment I’ve ever experienced,” reflected Ryder.
“And I know that’s a view the rest of the boys share, too.
“It wasn’t going too badly in the first half, and we went in level at 3-3 at half-time.
“But after the break, our front-row – which was very light to start with on the day – really began to suffer and Rossendale took full advantage playing down the slope. There was absolutely nothing we could do about it.
“It’s obviously taken us a bit of time to recover from such a nightmare second half, but we are getting there now.
“The side that’ll take to the field this weekend is arguably the strongest we’ve fielded this season, and it’s one we know is capable of winning.
”Last season, Rossendale beat us pretty easily at their place and we beat them back at Laund Hill.
“And we’re confident history can repeat it this time around.”
Huddersfield YMCA: Watson, Emsley, Moore, Housley, Edwards, Starbuck, Hodge, Bell; Wilson, Ledgard; Pooloogadoo, Ryder, Stead, Morton; Fletcher. Subs: Robertson, Sharrock, Wood.
