Match Preview

With an unexpected weather induced break last weekend, both teams have been able to turn their thoughts to this match. With 2 wins from 6 games, Sandal & Ilkley share the same disappointing run of form and neither team is out of the woods.

We gave what is probably our best performance of the season against Ilkley when we welcomed them to Milnthorpe Green. Clinical in attack and 100% effort across the full 80 minutes brought a well deserved 37-14 victory. Since then, we've reached that level again on the odd occasion, but not enough to build a run of form.

With Morley playing and winning against Wirral last weekend, the gap to the relegation zone is now only 9 points. I think that Pocklington will return to NE1 and the final two spots will come from either BP, Morley, us, Kirkby Lonsdale or Ilkley. Only 5 points cover the gap between Sandal and Ilkley, so if any team in that small group puts it all together for a series of games, they will secure their place in the league next season. There is no reason why that shouldn't be Sandal.

I feel that I've said this too many times, but this is a huge game. A win will extend the gap and might just dampen the fire of those below. A loss (if other results go against us) could make things very tense and leave us one result away from falling into the bottom 3. Time for the team to shine.

Come on Sandal.

Onwards!