Big-spenders Hull await but Harrogate confident
HARROGATE first team manager Graham Siswick insists his side are not simply travelling to title favourites Hull to make up the numbers tomorrow- instead he's backed the Claro Roaders to give the division's big spenders a serious run for their money.
Both teams come into tomorrow's contest (3pm ko) with a 100 per cent record to protect.
Hull were away winners at Kendal where as 'Gate stormed to a 39-17 victory at home to Nuneaton last weekend.
With 'Gate bagging full bonus points too Siswick was a happy man at the final whistle but he knows they must up their game even further if they're going to get anything out of their trip to the East Coast.
The Ferens Ground outfit have been splashing the cash in the summer with a host of new faces arriving through the gate.
Siswick is aware of their threat with former Leeds Carnegie second row Mick Murphy and brother Chris who has played for England A in their ranks.
They'll line up alongside ex 'Gate stars Oliver and Dan Cook who have impressed in their time at Hull.
But after Saturday's impressive display Siswick is hoping 'Gate turn up on the day with their new look side continuing to gell.
"Hull are a lot of people's favourites to win the league," he said.
"They've been paying a lot of money and have brought in a lot of players since last season. They'll be strong and they've got an experienced squad.
"They won on Saturday away at Kendal, that's always a tough place to go.
"They'll now be looking to win their first home game of the season and make their home ground a fortress.
"But we're going there confident.
"Yes it's going to be difficult, Hull are a very good side. But all the lads are looking forward to it and I think we're capable of going there and winning.
"Our side is very new. It's going to take some time for them to get used to playing together.
"But they did really well on Saturday.
"Our wingers James Rothwell and Rob Almond did really well. There were also one or two other really good performances with players coming off the bench.
"We'll just be going there looking to play the attractive rugby we did on Saturday. There's no doubt it's going to be difficult going there and getting anything.
"I can't see us going there and scoring seven tries but hopefully we can come away with the points."
Player coach Mike Aspinall added: " Hull will definitely be a better test of where we are at the moment.
"The guys did well on Saturday but this will be a lot tougher."
Steve Maycock will take a spot on the bench tomorrow in place of forward Ben Reaveley.
On Saturday 'Gate grabbed maximum bonus points after running in seven tries against new boys Nuneaton much to the delight of Siswick.
Dazzling back play took Harrogate into an early ten point lead and the last 20 minutes of the match also featured complete home attacking superiority.
Centre Kyle Dench, winger James Rothwell, Jamie Broadley (2), Rob Almond , Andrew Enston and Ali Chalmers all crossed over for the tries.
"It was a very satisfactory start for us," added Siswick.
"We had a very new look team but they did well together. We've made a lot of changes during the summer but the new players who came in did well.
"We were all really pleased especially to get the full amount of bonus points too.
"We've got a tough start to the season but it's important we push on now. We need to step up our performance on Saturday and keep the momentum going, that will be important."
'Gate will continue their league campaign in eight days' time away at old adversaries Caldy.
Their first Yorkshire derby of the season will then follow at the end of September against Huddersfield before former World Cup winning star Jason Robinson's Fylde outfit travel to North Yorkshire on the first weekend in October.
Meanwhile 'Gate 2nds will also be in action on Saturday.
They welcome Hull 2nds to Claro Road (3pm ko) looking for a positive performance.
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Weather for Harrogate
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
