Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Look Out Here Come: East Hull

The Challenge Cup yesterday.  Get a brolly, it looks like rain.
There are probably only two rivers on the planet where the terms 'West Bank' and 'East Bank' determine your identity and cultural persuasion. One is the river Jordan, the other is the river Hull.

This weekend Spotland becomes 'home' to Conference Premier Division side East Hull in round three of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

With only two games played in the new Summer NCL, East Hull have had a decidedly average start with one win, and one defeat (their win coming last week against Leigh East).

Their league win came in the back of an, eventually, convincing win over the high-flying RAF, who were 14-nil up after 25 minutes.

But once the cogs engaged East Hull came storming back with tries from Gary Noble, Jamie Edwards, Lee Steward, Tommy Brett, 2011 BARLA Lions half-back Carl Puckering and former National Conference League Player of the year Andy Moody. Jordan Precious (also previously a BARLA Lions half-back) added four goals to give Easts a 32-14 win.

As you'd imagine from Humberside's talent conveyor-belt, there's a decent amount of quality in the East Hull side - and also at the top. East Hull are coached by Steve Crooks - a man with Humberside Rugby League in his veins, having played for and coached both Hull FC and Hull KR. He was previously player performance manager at Hull FC for ten years - so he'll have his team set-up and ready to compete.

A relatively recent results at Doncaster and Swinton have proven, these nervy ties can be proper banana skins, so getting through, with no injuries, will be absolutely paramount.