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PREVIEW: DEWSBURY RAMS VS SWINTON LIONS

15 February 2019

Swinton Lions travel to the Tetley’s Stadium, home of the Dewsbury Rams for round three of the 2019 Championship season.

Swinton Lions travel to the Tetley’s Stadium this Sunday for round three of the 2019 Betfred Championship season to face Dewsbury Rams.

Swinton Lions showed signs of improvements against Bradford Bulls, despite the visitor’s claiming the two league points, and face Dewsbury who are also yet to cement their first win of the 2019 season.

Here’s everything you need to know heading into the fixture…

FORM GUIDE

Swinton Lions hosted recently-promoted Bradford Bulls at Heywood Road in round two of the Betfred Championship, fighting until the very last minute, but it was John Kear’s side who took the two points on offer with a 31-12 victory.

Mike Butt opened his try-scoring account, crossing in the corner following a Rob Fairclough grubber. The young halfback also assisted the second, with another kick feeding dual-registration player Liam Forsyth to score Swinton’s second and last.

Wigan Warriors loanee Harry Smith also made his debut for the Lions, whilst Chris Hankinson returned from Wigan Warriors.

Dewsbury’s opening clash against Rochdale was postponed due to bad weather, and a second-half comeback from York City Knights in round two saw the side lose a close encounter 22-26 at the Tetley’s Stadium.

Lee Greenwood has recently added depth to his side with the signing of Wigan Warriors forward Callum Field on a one-month loan, who has also previously appeared for Swinton on dual-registration.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The sides met three times in 2018 in the League and Championship Shield, with Dewsbury taking the fixtures victory 2-1.

Dewsbury played hosts at the end of February, and kept the Lions scoreless with a 20-0 success to claim the two league points.

However, Swinton secured their first home win of the 2018 season against Dewsbury Rams with a 29-28 scoreline. Tries from George Tyson, Gabe Fell, Josh Ganson and Rhodri Lloyd and a drop-kick from Chris Hankinson saw Stuart Littler’s side celebrate the victory.

In the Championship Shield, Swinton again travelled to the Tetley’s Stadium and again the home side claimed the points. Then-Neil Kelly’s side scored 34-unanswered second half points, despite Swinton hooker Luke Waterworth crossing for the first try of the fixture.

COACHES COMMENTS

Head Coach Stuart Littler spoke to LionsTV following his side’s close meeting with Bradford Bulls in round two of the Championship.

“At the moment I want everyone fighting for positions to play for Swinton. We’re still probably deciding on our team moving forwards and people are stepping up and raising their hand in positions and others have had to step back and others have had a shot at it. That’s life and that’s rugby and it’s good. Personally, it’s the best we’ve had it since I’ve taken charge the team.”

Against Bradford, he added: “We’ve had a mark of improvement and a good reaction. We have to kick on now and focus on getting a win at Dewsbury.”

TEAM NEWS

Last weekend’s try-scorer Liam Forsyth returns to the squad on dual-registration from Wigan Warriors, joined by teammates Liam Byrne, Liam Paisley and Oliver Partington.

Adam Jones also returns to the squad, whilst Harry Smith maintains his spot in the halves.

LIONS SQUAD TO FACE RAMS: Matty Ashton, Gavin Bennion, Billy Brickhill, Mike Butt, Liam Byrne, Rob Fairclough, Aaron Hall, Frankie Halton, Jack Hansen, Lewis Hatton, Adam Jones, Paddy Jones, Rhodri Lloyd, Liam Paisley, Oliver Partington, Kyle Shelford, Harry Smith, Luke Waterworth.

RAMS SQUAD TO FACE LIONS: Dale Morton, Adam Ryder, Alex Brown, Paul Sykes, Simon Brown, Jode Sheriffe, Robbie Ward, Lucas Walshaw, Michael Knowles, Kyle Trout, Sam Day, Dan Igbinedion, Jacob Thomas, Rob Worrincy, Tom Garratt, Callum Field, Chris Annakin, Luke Hooley.

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