Round 8 of Betfred League One gets underway with an exciting West Yorkshire derby between Keighley and Hunslet at Cougar Park, which will be shown live on The Sportsman on Sunday.
All heads will turn to the battle taking place at the top end of the table this weekend, with the Cougars currently occupying top spot with a 100% winning record.
Hunslet, who are fourth in the table, could be Keighley’s toughest test yet, as they came from behind to beat North Wales Crusaders 22-16 last weekend and have shown they are a real force to be reckoned with in the third tier.
It is Keighley who have won their last five meetings with Hunslet - two of these being at home – but could Hunslet finally be the team to end the Cougars' winning run? Or will the hosts make it seven from seven?
Oldham, the second unbeaten side in the competition, will take on a winless Newcastle Thunder at Boundary Park. After a week out of action, the Roughyeds will look to maintain their momentum and winning streak, as they eye up the top spot.
The two sides last met in 2021's Championship where Newcastle completed the double over Oldham, who were relegated that same year. Now together again in the third tier, will things be any different this time around?
There’s a Round 7 clash in Cumbria as Workington Town host Midlands Hurricanes and are searching for their fifth consecutive win.
Workington have won all three of their previous home meetings with the Hurricanes but should not underestimate their opposition. Midlands may sit seventh in the league table but have contested all the way with the likes of North Wales Crusaders and Hunslet in the opening rounds, before narrowly losing out.
A win for the Midlands would also see them climb to as high as fifth.
The fourth and final fixture sees Rochdale Hornets host Cornwall at Crown Oil Arena. Cornwall are currently without a win in 2024 and will need to produce a full 80 minute performance if they are to be in with a chance on Sunday.
It would be a vital two points for the Hornets, who are hoping to mix in with teams at the higher end of the table, but also Cornwall who are desperate to get off the mark.
There have only been four previous meetings in history – Rochdale have won three, with the Choughs beating the Hornets 18-12 most recently - in Round 22 last year. But who will claim the points in Round 8?
Betfred League One Round 8 fixtures:
Keighley Cougars v Hunslet RLFC
Oldham RLFC v Newcastle Thunder
Workington Town v Midlands Hurricanes
Rochdale Hornets v Cornwall RLFC
The full fixture list for Betfred League One and all of the relevant information and kick-off times can be found here.
Photo Credit: Keighley Cougars
