Dewsbury Rams half-back Lewis Heckford is looking ahead to the Yorkshire Cup game at York City Knights this Saturday; he believes it will be a tough game, and that the Yorkshire Cup has added a real edge to pre-season.
Heckford said: “York had a great season last year and I’m sure they’ll be looking to make a statement this season. I think it’ll be a tough game but with some good skills on show as its two teams wanting to go into round one of the season with some momentum.
“The Yorkshire cup has been a great concept as it has brought some competitiveness to the ‘friendlies’. Pre season friendlies are sometimes difficult with lads not wanting to get injured before the season starts but having something to play for makes us have that extra fight in each game.”
Heckford was at the club last year under previous head coach Neil Kelly on loan, but now he is back at the club on a permanent deal. He’s excited to be back at the club and says since arriving at the Tetley’s stadium it’s been a tough pre-season.
Heckford commented on being back the club: “I’m enjoying it been back here, it’s been a tough pre-season but it’s been good to do it with some of the lads from last year as well as a few fresh faces.
“There’s a bit of a different atmosphere around the place and what the volunteers have done to the place with the likes of the gym/wrestle room is extremely impressive and the lads are grateful for it.”
Heckford scored his first try back at the club last Saturday against Bradford Bulls in the Yorkshire Cup defeat.
He said on the try: “I was buzzing to get over for a try, last year I didn’t manage to get over for many especially in a rams shirt so to score my first try for the club was a great feeling. I hope there’s many more to come.”
Finally Heckford enjoyed playing in front of the Rams fans last season, and knows the intimidating atmosphere that the Tetley’s stadium can produce.
He said: “I think the crowd will play a massive part this year, especially when we’re at home. Our pitch is very tight and the fans are very close to us. I think some teams will struggle against us when they come to our place when we’ve got a big crowd and a fierce atmosphere.”
