Published at 11:52, Tuesday, 27 January 2009

AS rugby league fans in Barrow continue to be shocked and astounded by the impressive signings being made at Craven Park by Barrow Raiders, another club is creating a storm of it own just up the road.

Hawcoat Storm RL will play their first ever games of competitive mini rugby league at Hawcoat Park Sports Club on Saturday when the under-eights side take on Ulverston (11am kick-off).

The under-10s team will also be in action when they host Roose Pioneers at what has been a mainly rugby union stronghold for the past 80 years.

Rugby union is still thriving at Hawcoat Park, with the two codes working well side-by-side.

Storm chairman and coach Mark Burrows insists said the new teams provide an opportunity for youngsters to enjoy the fundamentals of both codes before specialising in or playing both when they reach their early teens.

He said: “The coaching is predominantly based around the league basics, but it’s hard to ignore the union influence at the club and areas of this code find their way into our weekly sessions.

“The support we’ve had from everyone here, especially the union section, has meant that we’ve been able to establish a new rugby league club in a relatively short period of time.

“The facilities are second to none in the area and we will have our own purpose-built mini-pitch along with posts for our home league games.” 

The inaugural games and kit launch event will be followed by a celebration buffet and drinks that will be attended by the club’s sponsors, whose support has funded the purchase of items ranging from balls to tracksuits.

There will also be special guests present for the opening day of games

Hawcoat Storm has established a partnership in the community with The Croft Care Trust.

Their new kits will carry the Croft logo and will help to highlight the work done by the trust, which is situated just across the road from the club.

It is hoped the more mobile residents will make the short trip across Hawcoat Lane to support their adopted team once the Barrow and District League season starts in early March.

The Storm have pledged 10 per cent of any monies raised from fundraising events throughout the season to the trust and in return the Croft Trophy will become the star prize for the player-of-the-year.

Burrows added: “New players are always welcome as we look to expand our growing list of children who have joined our ranks.

“We hope to establish an under-12s team for the winter season.

“We have the facilities, the hardware and the qualified coaching staff to ensure we realise our vision to become an established club in the area.

“Bring the kids along on Saturday and witness an historic event for the club and maybe whet their appetite for a game!”

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