Party time if Halifax can fell the Oaks
Halifax RUFC coach Giles Hetherington is urging his players to clinch promotion in style at home to Sheffield Oaks tomorrow (3.0).
The fallen giants of Calderdale rugby union, who were playing in National Two not that long ago, need just one point from their penultimate Yorkshire Four game to take their first small step back up the league ladder.
They might have clinched the runners-up spot last week had it not been for their coach suffering an unrepairable flat tyre on the way to Wensleydale’s Leyburn base.
The players from Halifax’s two teams spent four hours at Wetherby services and the matches were postponed.
“It was an absolute nightmare. - you couldn’t have written it,” said Hetherington.
It did give him the opportunity to watch champions Wetherby thump third-placed Skipton 63-0 nearby, almost assuring Halifax second spot.
“I popped in for the last 20 minutes and what I saw was very pleasing. It put a positive slant on an otherwise miserable day,” said Hetherington.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Hetherington said Halifax would not be content with a losing bonus point against an Oaks looking to seal their own safety.
“We have got an incredible record since we lost to Wetherby before Christmas,” he said.
“One point will be enough but that is not how we want to finish things.
“Sheffield Oaks have got their own agenda and it is go- ing to be a battle but hopefully we will have too much quality and class for them.
Stand- off Hetherington said Halifax would be looking to make a strong start.
“I want four points minimum and five would be nice. We certainly don’t wanting to scraping around for a losing bonus point
“Hopefully it will be an afternoon of celebration for the club and one we can remember.”
Hetherington has selection headaches. He, captain Richard Cole and main lineout jumper Luke Sturman did not play in the most recent win at Mosborough. Halifax Vandals, who had a stunning 67-0 win over visitors Leeds Corinthians last Saturday, play their final game in Yorkshire Four.
Jamie Bloem’s men will bid to beat visitors Mosborough and go above them into sixth.