It’s a top of the table clash in Betfred League One, as Dewsbury Rams faces Doncaster.
Both sides head into the meeting on Sunday with an unbeaten record, as Liam Finn’s Dewsbury have won seven and sit top of the table, meanwhile, Richard Horne’s Dons sit one place below having played six matches.
Dewsbury have impressed since their relegation to Betfred League One. The West Yorkshire club have looked strong, both in the league and Challenge Cup. The Rams defeated Championship side Widnes, before challenging London Broncos.
The Rams statistically have the best defence and attack in the league. In defence, they have conceded just 70 points in seven matches, while at the other end of the field they have scored 303 points.
Doncaster have been a consistent side over the past few years in League One and this season is no different.
The Dons sit second, and this will be their biggest test for the season so far.
Captain, Sam Smeaton has helped lead from the front and he has scored 8 tries, which puts him joint second with Rams’ player Perry Whiteley.
Doncaster have lost their previous three away meetings with Dewsbury Rams. The Dons last away win against Dewsbury was back in 2007.
On Saturday afternoon, Cornwall kick-off Round Eight as they welcome Hunslet to the Memorial Ground.
Cornwall will be searching for their second victory of the season.
The hosts travelled to Oldham last weekend and despite losing 36-16, Cornwall showed some very encouraging signs as they showed a late fightback.
Hunslet will be looking to keep their 100% record against Cornwall when the sides meet for a third time.
Hunslet defeated Cornwall 52-16 in their first meeting, however, the meeting at the Memorial Ground was closer with Hunslet heading back to West Yorkshire with a 36-24 success.
In five league matches this season, the visitors have won three of these. Their two defeats came in closely fought contests with the top two in the table.
The other fixture on Saturday sees London Skolars welcome Rochdale Hornets to the capital.
Skolars currently are rooted to the foot of the table with no victory yet in any of their opening six matches.
It has been a decade since Skolars last beat Rochdale. The capital side beat the Hornets 32-16 on the 23rd of June 2013.
Rochdale are seventh in the table, with two wins from six matches. The Hornets bounced back last week with a success against North Wales Crusaders. On-loan Umyla Hanley scored a hat-trick during the victory.
The Hornets have won their last nine meetings with London Skolars, three of these matches have been away.
The final match of the weekend sees Workington Town take on Oldham.
Workington are fourth in the table after four wins and two defeats from their six matches. Their two defeats did come against Doncaster and Dewsbury.
Workington are seeking their first home victory over Oldham since 2016.
Oldham currently sit one place above Workington, due to superior points difference. However, the Roughyeds have played one game less than their opponents.
The 26-22 defeat to Doncaster in Round Six has been the only blemish for Stuart Littler’s side.
Oldham have impressed in attack during the 2023 season. The Roughyeds have scored 194 points in just five matches which gives them an average of 38.8 points per match.
Round Eight Fixtures:
Saturday
- Cornwall v Hunslet – 1PM
- London Skolars v Rochdale Hornets – 3PM
Sunday
- Dewsbury Rams v Doncaster – 3PM
- Workington Town v Oldham – 3PM
