Championship One preview: York v South Wales

Correspondent

York City Knights coach Gary Thornton has been dealt a major blow with the news that Kris Brining (ankle) and Ben Crane (knee) both face an extended period on the sidelines after suffering injuries against Whitehaven last week.

However, James Ford, Jason Golden and Lee Paterson should all return to the Knights squad for Sunday’s Kingstone Press Championship One clash with South Wales Scorpions.

Thornton said: “We are in a good bit of form at the minute, with three wins out of three, but we have to make sure we stay grounded.

“South Wales offer up a new challenge and we don’t know much about them. It’s unknown territory for us.

“We will have to try to do our homework on them, but I’m confident that if we carry on as we are then we can do well.”

Scorpions travel without Shaun Owens, who faces six weeks on the sidelines with a fractured hand. Scott Britton and Owain Davies are also doubtful, but Osian Phillips could make his first appearance of the year.

South Wales coach Mike Grady said: “This is a big test, especially after York’s win against Whitehaven last week.

“I was a bit disappointed with the way we collapsed towards the end of our game against Hemel Stags, but we hadn’t done that this season, but if the lads can keep their effort and enthusiasm then the results will come.”