Rugby Union: Huddersfield determined to make it four wins out of four against Sale at Lockwood Park

Huddersfield head into tomorrow’s National III North clash at Lockwood Park confident of making if four straight victories over struggling Sale.

While player-coach Gareth Lewis’s men are riding high, their Manchester-based hosts have lost all of their opening fixtures.

As a result, Huddersfield will be confident of making it four wins out of four to equal the club’s best start to a season for three years and move to the top of the table in the process.

But team manager Lee Paxman remains wary of the threat Sale pose, regardless of their current league standing.

“Sale are a new side and, by all accounts, have been very unlucky this season,” said Paxman.

“We’ve done our homework and when this team gels they will be a dangerous side.”

This weekend’s match will be the first meeting between Sale and Huddersfield in a competitive fixture.

Huddersfield also tackled previously unknown opposition in their last league fixture against fellow promotion-chasers Burnage and came away with a convincing 42-8 triumph.

The nature of that victory underlined Huddersfield’s potential title credentials.

But Paxman is keen to make sure the squad remain grounded.

“Last week’s performance was excellent, but on review of the footage we believe we still have another level to reach as a team and we will be working hard to improve again this week.”

The team will feature several changes from that which beat Burnage.

Winger Ben Mitchell is replaced by Jack Moon, who returns from injury, while Adam Sutcliffe replaces Howard Hanks on the other flank.

Will Brian is called up to the first team squad for the first time after several strong displays for the Falcons.

There could also be a change on the substitute’s bench with George Hinchliff on standby to replace Gareth Lewis, who is on standby as he awaits the imminent arrival of his second child.

The match kicks-off at 3.00, with free admission for juniors, while Huddersfield Falcons travel to Selby (3.00).

Huddersfield: Battye, Morrill, Stringwell, G Rhodes, N Rhodes, Lewis, Hoyle, Sharpe, Hinchliff, Hodson, Sutcliffe, Owen, Clark, Moon, Hodgson. Subs: Brian, Lewis, Western.