The National Leagues return this weekend with a full programme across every section, and the Premier Division fixtures arrive at a point where the table is beginning to take shape.
Leaders West Hull, perfect after five rounds, travel to Lock Lane, who sit second bottom but have shown signs of improvement after finally getting off the mark last week.
Hunslet ARLFC, currently second and boasting the division’s best defensive record, host a dangerous Wath Brow Hornets side who remain firmly in the early play off mix.
Third placed Thatto Heath Crusaders head to York Acorn, while Heworth and West Bowling meet in a mid table clash with both clubs locked on four points.
Siddal welcome bottom placed Rochdale Mayfield, who are still searching for their first win, and Waterhead Warriors face Wigan St Judes in another evenly balanced contest.
Last Saturday’s defeat to Lock Lane stung more than most for Wigan St Judes. Losing at home for the first time in over two years would hurt any side, and boss Dave Myerscough reflected: “We weren’t at it, and it’s just proved that you can’t have a day off in this league,” frustration in every word.
Myerscough then spoke about Waterhead with a mix of respect and familiarity: “We know a lot about Waterhead…similar trajectories probably to what we did. We’re probably a couple of years behind them,” he said.
Waterhead aren’t just another opponent; they’re the example of how to come up, settle in and push on. Their fourth place finish last season stands out, and Myerscough clearly sees them as the standard to chase.
There’s proper history between the two clubs as well. “We’ve gone toe to toe over the last few years,” he said, and that’s exactly what this fixture feels like: two sides who know each other, meeting again at a point where both have something to prove.
What makes the trip even more interesting is the timing. Myerscough’s side have just been “brought back down to earth" in his words.
"You’ve got to bounce back as soon as you can… we’ll be looking to do that against Waterhead," he said.
This week it's been about tightening the basics — completions, discipline, and the little details that slipped away against Lock Lane.
"We were second best in key moments” and defeat was “a reminder of what happens when you switch off in this division”, but he also backed his players to respond. He spoke about the need to “reset quickly, stick together and show a bit of steel next time out”, insisting the group has more than enough quality to turn things around.
Waterhead Warriors won’t give them anything for free. Dave added: “This league is unforgiving. If you have a day off, then you’re going to get stung,” he said. Waterhead are exactly the kind of team who can punish lapses. They went close at West Hull last week and want to return to winning ways this time out.
A tough away day, a familiar rival. It’s a test for both sides. Kick off at Waterhead is at 2:30pm.
In Division One, leaders Dewsbury Celtic will look to maintain their flawless start when they meet Pilkington Recs, whilst second placed Kells travel to Wigan St Patricks in one of the round’s standout fixtures. Dewsbury Moor Maroons and Stanningley, both in the top five, face tricky assignments against Oldham St Annes and East Leeds respectively. With only two points separating fifth from ninth, the division remains tightly packed, and several sides have the chance to climb with a win.
Week 6 National Leagues fixtures - all Saturday 18th April:
Premier Division
Heworth v West Bowling - 2:30pm
Hunslet ARLFC v Wath Brow Hornets - 2:30pm
Lock Lane v West Hull - 2:30pm
Siddal v Rochdale Mayfield - 2:30pm
Waterhead Warriors v Wigan St Judes - 2:30pm
York Acorn v Thatto Heath Crusaders - 2:30pm
Division One
Dewsbury Celtic v Pilkington Recs - 2:30pm
East Leeds v Stanningley - 2:30pm
Egremont Rangers v Oulton Raiders - 2:30pm
Oldham St Annes v Dewsbury Moor Maroons - 2:30pm
Shaw Cross Sharks v Leigh Miners Rangers - 2:30pm
Wigan St Patricks v Kells - 2:30pm
Cumbria Conference
Ulverston v Dalton - 2:00pm
Barrow Island v Seaton Rangers - 2:30pm
Hensingham v Millom - 2:30pm
Hindpool Tigers v Ellenborough - 2:30pm
Maryport v Distington - 2:30pm
North West Conference
Blackbrook v Ashton Bears - 2:30pm
Clock Face Miners v Crosfields - 2:30pm
Ince Rose Bridge - BYE
Leigh East v Orrell St James - 2:30pm
Saddleworth Rangers v Woolston Rovers - 2:30pm
Yorkshire A Conference
Beverley v Keighley Albion - 2:30pm
Drighlington v Thornhill Trojans - 2:30pm
Mirfield Spartans v King Cross Park - 2:30pm
Moldgreen v Stanley Rangers - 2:30pm
Myton Warriors v Bradford Dudley Hill - 2:30pm
Yorkshire B Conference
Bentley v Siddal Academy - 2:30pm
Hull Dockers v Milford - 2:30pm
Kippax Welfare v Fryston Warriors - 2:30pm
Newsome Panthers v Normanton Knights - 2:30pm
Skirlaugh v Featherstone Lions - 2:30pm
Southern Conference
Eastern Rhinos v Hammersmith Hill Hoists - 2:30pm
London Chargers v Brentwood Eels - 2:30pm
North Herts Crusaders v Wests Warriors - 2:30pm
Find out the full fixtures for the National Leagues here.
