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PREVIEW: YORK CITY KNIGHTS V SWINTON LIONS

07 April 2019

Swinton Lions return to league action as they face York City Knights in the Championship.

Swinton Lions travel to Bootham Crescent to face York City Knights in round 9 of the Betfred Championship.

Last week saw the Lions feature in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup, travelling away to Featherstone Rovers on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

It was the hosts who took the victory and have progressed to the next round, whilst the focus returns on the league for the Lions.

FORM GUIDE

Swinton currently sit 11th in the Betfred Championship, with their 33-26 win over Barrow Raiders in round eight. The victory takes us above Rochdale and Batley Bulldogs on points difference, with close encounters against Leigh Centurions and Toulouse Olympique.

Jamie Acton and Rob Fairclough both sustained injuries against Featherstone Rovers, adding them to the long list of casualties which includes Frankie Halton, Adam Jones, Will Hope, Ben Austin, Mike Ratu and Joe Digby.

Andy Mazey recently returned to the Chairman’s Corner, discussing the season start, the 1895 Cup and praises efforts from the board. Click HERE to read.

Winger Matty Ashton also recently won the fan’s vote for March Player of the Month award, with five tries in as many appearances and 41% of the votes.

York City Knights head into the fixture with five wins in seven in 2019 so far, including victories over Bradford Bulls, Leigh Centurions and Halifax. James Ford’s side currently sit fourth in the ladder.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Swinton Lions and York City Knights clashed in the 2015 Play-Offs, with the result going down to the wire.

A dramatic last-minute drop-goal from Ben White tied the scores in normal time, with the fixture decided in extra time as Chris Atkin secured a place in the Play-Off final for the Lions with a fantastic one-point effort to take the victory.

York City Knights were promoted to the Championship following their successful 2018 season in League One, in which they secured the title.

https://twitter.com/Swinton_Lions/status/1114607731300872192

TEAM NEWS

Jack Wells could make his Swinton debut from dual-registration partners Wigan Warriors, whilst captain Rhodri Lloyd and Matty Ashton return to the 19-man squad.

Rob Fairclough misses out through injury, which could see Oscar Thomas and Harry Smith link up for the Lions.

LIONS SQUAD TO FACE KNIGHTS: Aaronson, Ashton, Bennion, Brickhill, Butt, Forsyth, Ganson, Hall, Hansen, Hatton, Jones, Kenga, Lloyd, Paisley, Shelford, Smith, Thomas, Waterworth, Wells.

KNIGHTS SQUAD TO FACE LIONS: Marsh, Salter, Cockayne, Robinson, Dixon, Jubb, Teanby, Jordan-Roberts, Scott, Spears, Horne, Porter, Whiteley, Mazive, Stock, Bass, Brining, Batchelor, Rawsthorne.

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