Game Preview: v Sheffield Giants

Sun Sep 26 2021

Yorkshire Academy Rams vs Sheffield Giants

26 September 2021, 2:30pm

John Charles Stadium, Leeds

Rams v Giants

Latest results:

One To Watch

#3 Josh Green

#3 Josh Green

JG3 started the season as QB2. After narrowly missing out on the starting role after a neck and neck pre-season battle between himself and Joe Mills, the signal caller's professionalism shone through as he stepped into the backup position with the aim of supporting Mills, running the scout offense and working on his own game whenever he got the opportunity.

After Mills suffered an unfortunate season-ending knee injury in week 2 against the Doncaster Mustangs, Green was ready to step up to the plate and hasn't looked back, or slowed down, since.

Throwing for 11 touchdowns and adding two more on the ground in only four games, Josh Green is the real deal. His relentless drive to succeed in the gym, in practice and on game day is second to none and the future is bright for this Rams QB.

Image credit: Alex Daniel

One To Watch

#29 Matthew Sherridan

#29 Matthew Sherridan

One player looking to make Josh Green's life harder in this match-up is Giants' cornerback Matthew Sherridan.

Named Defensive MVP in a non-divisional fixture against Merseyside Nighthawks on 29 August, Sherridan will be hoping to put pressure on opposing wide receivers and put a stop to Green's purple patch.

Image credit: Colin Robinson

Last 5 meetings:

  • 04 July 2021: Sheffield Giants A - A RAMS
  • 02 August 2015: Sheffield Predators 37 - 7 RAMS
  • 19 April 2015: RAMS 28 - 14 Sheffield Predators
  • 11 May 2014: RAMS 11 - 8 Sheffield Predators
  • 25 August 2013: RAMS 20 - 22 Sheffield Predators

For all previous meetings, click here.

Summary

Week one’s meeting between these two early-season favourites was the most hotly anticipated game in the White Rose Division.

However, fans were left downtrodden after a thunderstorm dampened more than spirits, leading the game to be abandoned.

Since then, the Rams have gone on to win four from four scoring 209 points and winning all but one of those games to nil; conceding only 6 points in the other.

The Giants have had a slightly more disjointed season, seeing the majority of their games cancelled due to opponent withdrawals. However they did manage to rack up a 55-28 victory over the Doncaster Mustangs in their first full game in two years.

The remaining questions from week one will be answered at John Charles Stadium in the final game of the season. Will the Giants assert their dominance? Will the Rams prove their worthiness of a Premier Division spot?

All eyes will be on tomorrow’s game and, come rain or shine, the division will see it’s true champion crowned this weekend as the two strongest sides come face to face once again and it promises to be a classic.