Tuesday, 09 February 2010

Park look to rebound

RUGBY UNION

A0140242
MAN OF STEEL: Experienced forward Jim Steele goes up against Hutton with Hawcoat Park tomorrow

HAWCOAT Park are keen to get back in action against Hutton tomorrow and put last week’s disappointing result at Bury behind them.

After their loss in East Lancs, Hawcoat are back on home turf against the side from near Preston and will be hoping for a similar performance but a better result (2.15pm kick-off).

Hutton were the table-toppers last season in the league below and beat Hawcoat Park both home and away as both sides gained promotion.

They do not appear quite so strong this year, so the home side and coach Jeff Simm are targetting a win.

The pack has a solid look about it, with a mix of hardened, experienced performers and talented youngsters.

In the front row, hard-working stand-in skipper Brad Morrow will enjoy having Jimmy Steele and Dave Gallagher alongside him.

The second row unit is the same, with young Lorcan Martindale showing up well alongside the vastly-experienced Martin Kennedy.

In the back row Mike Lightfoot has a chest problem and will start the game from the bench, but Danny White returns to join Tim Clark and Steve Slater.

In the backs, Kev Wright makes his debut at full-back while on leave from the army.

His fitness is superb and Hawcoat Park are expecting big things from him after witnessing his enthusiasm and running skills in training.

The solid half-back pairing of Sam Hilton and Scott Kaighan remain the same, while wingers Matt Burrows and George Hilton will be hoping to see more ball to display their running skills. James Howden returns from a bout of flu and starts from the bench.

After a blank weekend, Hawcoat Park A have a tough away game at Clitheroe. Jason Trundle has a shoulder injury and will not be fit to captain, so Adam Corrie takes over the captain’s arm band.

On what is likely to be a heavy pitch, it will be vital for the pack to get on top with big games needed from the likes of Mark Burrows, Matt Knagg and Neil Barrowman.

Experienced newcomer Tom Dodgson starts at hooker, while young forward Matthew Robson – son of former Vickers second row Steve – starts from the bench, with the club hoping he is chip off the old block.

Steve McArthur and Andy Bennett are missing from the three-quarters through injury and a big game will be needed from star performer Eddie Aitken.

He is joined in the centre by the promising Will Howard, while Ben Wolveridge returns from holiday to take his place on the wing and former colt Tom Shepherd is back.

Hawcoat Park 1st XV (v Hutton, home, tomorrow. Meet club 1pm): K Wright, M Burrows, L Harrison, M Sayle, G Hilton, S Kaighan, S Hilton, J Steele, D Gallagher, B Morrow, M Kennedy, L Martindale, T Clark ,S Slater, D White. Reps: J Howden, M Lightfoot, C Thompson, M Lewis.

Hawcoat Park A (v Clitheroe, away, tomorrow. Meet club 11.15am for bus and cars. Any cry-offs, notify Jason Trundle on 07767 305550, or Andy Murray on 07525 755199): R Davies, B Wolveridge, E Aitken, W Howard, J Milligan, T Shepherd, P Steele, N Barrowman, T Dodgson, R Brown, M Knagg, S Vasey, D Lloyd-Roberts, A Corrie, M Burrows. Reps: P Edgley, M Robson, J Howard.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Vote

Should Furness Academy's new buildings be built at two sites or use the one site?

Two sites

One site

Show Result