Duffy: Halifax are a massive test
Swinton are bracing themselves for a “massive test” against Halifax this afternoon.
The Lions host Fax today. Dan Fleming is set to return for Swinton.
“We’ve got another massive test against Halifax this week,” Swinton coach John Duffy admitted.
“One of our goals against the big teams was to try and do our best and we did that over at Halifax last time.
“It’s going to be a big test because Richard Marshall’s doing a great job over there and they had a really good result last week at Bradford.
“It’s going to be a tough game for us but one we’re looking forward to.”
A last gasp try earned Swinton a point against Workington as they drew 10-10.
“Obviously we’re happy to come away with a point,” Duffy said.
“The conditions were horrendous up there at points in the game and the lads dug deep to get ourselves out of trouble.
“We’ve been on the other end before and not come away with anything, so it’s pleasing to get a point.
Halifax earned their fourth consecutive victory over Bradford Bulls as they won 32-24 to climb the Championship table and strengthen their bid for a top four place.
Coach Richard Marshall said: “It was an important win, if we have our ambitions of finishing in the four then we needed to win that game and we did so.
“The most important thing was our performance levels, I thought we really took the game to Bradford and with three or four minutes to go we were twenty points up.
“We conceded a couple of soft tries towards the end of the game but Bradford are a good team and they never gave in. It was a good win and a good performance.
“We were a bit bruised last time we played Swinton, we had our confidence dented at home when they beat us.
“It was a bit of a low point for us but I think we’ve improved as a team since then.
“Swinton are a good team, they’ve had some good results over the past few weeks and they’ll be looking to get one over on us again but we’re in a different spot at the moment.
“We’ll have to be playing well again this week but we’re looking forward to it.”
Centre Ben Heaton looks set to miss the game after suffering from concussion last weekend. Both Gareth Moore and Matt Sarsfield are also in doubt.