Wednesday will see first and second in the Premier North division lock horns as Northumbria University host Leeds Beckett University.
Both sides have started the season on fire, four wins from four apiece. But, Northumbria currently occupy top spot due to a better points difference.
Leeds Beckett, who are the current champions, didn’t drop a single point last season, winning all 10 games. Coach Paul Fletcher knows his side can’t get carried away.
“It’s a very important game, but it’s still early doors. They’re probably the favourites going into this game due to them being top of the league because of their points difference.
“It’s always a tough game against them, and I'm sure it will be a great contest.”
Northumbria, who have racked up a points difference of 130, came up short last year, finishing in second place behind Wednesday’s opponents. Jason Payne, the Northumbria coach, admits that Leeds will be a difficult side to overcome.
“I've been trying for three years to try get the better of them.” He said. “We have to win the forward battle, as they've got some very good players in their pack. They also have some good halfbacks and they’re a well organised team.”
Payne has been impressed with the way his side have started the campaign, more so with the defence.
“Our biggest positive has been the number of points we’ve conceded. We’ve restricted teams in scoring, and when we do concede, we work really hard to make sure it’s the only time they do cross our line.
"It’s something we've worked really hard on and defence is going to be crucial going into this game.”
Leeds Beckett came out on top in the last encounter, winning 36 – 6 back in February this year. Despite the game being arguably the most crucial one of the season, Fletcher is relishing the task.
“We’ve got to play to our full potential in order to come away with the three points, but we are looking forward to the game.
“Starting well will put us on the front foot, and we want to maintain our unbeaten record just like they will.”
Whoever is triumphant on Wednesday afternoon will have a valuable three point lead over their league rivals. A victory that could have a bearing on who will be crowned champions of the Premier North.
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