Hinckley
This season is the first time we have played Hinckley so this is their first visit to our ground and very little in our archives on them. Just over 20 years ago a young James Gosling played at scrum half for them whilst studying at Leicester, having played 17 1st XV games for us the year before.
Ten years ago Hinckley were playing their first games in National 3 Midlands having gained promotion from Midlands 2 East the season before. 2010 saw them promoted into National 2 South on a level transfer but like many their first season at this level proved harsh. Back in National 3 Midlands they steadily rebuilt finishing 8th - 6th - 5th - 2nd - 2nd, loosing their first play-off 20-10 at Sandal before beating Wirrall 33-20 in 2016 to reach national 2 North. 2 years ago they were 9th, last season 5th and this season looking to improve on that.

This match is special for Mark Wigham, his 200th game in his 12th Season with Hull Ionians. Mark made his debut in September 2006 at Orrell. He will be the 12th player to play 200 1st XV games. The others currently are: