Going back just three weeks, on the day Hornets beat Castleford, Halifax were busy shoving 60 points up Whitehaven. However, after the enforced break for the Northern Trains Cup final, both teams struggled to recapture the same form: Hornets stuttering past Barrow and Halifax less than convincing in a 34-26 win at Batley.

But with five wins from the last six, Halifax's run of form sees them three points ahead of Hormets in fourth spot. Coach Anthony Farrell, was philosophical about the Batley result: " We can't play as well as we did against Whitehaven every week Š we might aspire to that, but it's not the way things happen. Sometimes you get into a dogfight - especially when you're playing at somewhere like Batley - and you need to grind it out." Much like we did against Barrow, really.

Leading the way for 'fax last week was former North Sydney bears half back Ben Black who followed up his hat-trick against Whitehaven with another triple strike. Farrell said of Black's perfermance: "... defences are worried when he gets the ball in his hands - and that's the way we want it to stay."

At Hornets, Radney Bowker's likely to be back in contention, giving Bobbie Goulding an extra option at half-back - and Bobbie will draft in Jamie Durbin for his first start after his own arm injury proved insurmountable. Despite his brave/mad (delete as applicable) decision to play through the pain, Bobbie's conceded that the torn bicep is too badly damaged to see out the season.

In the press this week, he said: ŅIÕm in agony, itÕs not looking good. IÕve lost the power in my arm and IÕm finding it almost impossible to pass." An operation would mean over a month in plaster and with the run-in already gaining momentum, the impact on his coaching duties would be obvious.

Imminently, the Bobster will be seeking a marked lift in attitude at the Shay on Sunday. It is fair to say that the Barrow game had a flat, low-key feel to it - but it's a bit chicken and egg: no atmosphere = low intensity from the players = poor perfromance = subdued supporters = no atmosphere.

So, hopefully we'll all be a bit more up for it on Sunday: players and supporters alike.

With Doncaster hosting Whitehaven on Sunday, a Hornets victory would give us a real shot at leap-frogging the Dragons in the table. More importantly, it would bring Halifax into our sights, closing the gap to just one point.

Whilst Halifax have been running into some form recently, Hornets have a great chance of coming away with the points - and, once again, your support will make a difference. So put three mates into the car and make the short trip to the Shay. Let's make some noise, get behind the lads and give it a real go. Come and join us in the main stand - if we can get everyone together, we can make it a big club effort.

It's time we came away from the Shay with a win - so let's make it this Sunday. It'll be a cracker - you'd be mad to miss it.