Match Preview

Fleetwood make their 2nd visit to Cumbria this weekend to play against an inform Hawcoat Park side, a game that has seen plenty of high scores in recent seasons. Fleet are very aware of what Hawcoat can offer but after a very strong start to the season themselves and a 70-7 win last week are full of confidence and hoping to secure another win this weekend.

Selection has been interesting this week with some players making themselves unavailable; however such is the strength in depth within the Fleetwood squad at the moment that all 18 players available this week can boast 1st team experience.

The front row remains the same as the first 3 games of the season with the likely trio of Jamie Moran, Danny Atkin and Scott Dobbie. All 3 players have been hugely impressive already this season and have rarely taken a step back in the set piece, they will look to dominate in this area again this weekend against a much tougher Hawcoat side.

The second row see’s the ever-reliable (yet aging) Rob Brookfield playing alongside James Lilley, who will be looking to show what he can do after some recent impressive displays from the bench in recent weeks and deserves his place this week in the starting 15.

The back row see’s Dale Thompson and Scott Richardson on the flanks, with Richardson looking to add to his already growing ‘Man of the Match’ tally this season after some fine displays including his 100% kicking rate last week against Whitehaven (10/10). Both Thompson and Richardson will be supported by this week’s number 8, player coach (and birthday boy) Steve Woodburn, who after last week’s hat-rick will be looking to add to his tally once again (he may even score from more than a yard away this week!)

The backs see’s Paul Bamber lining up at 9 this week and it must be added that Paul’s commitment sees him travelling 5 ½ hours on Saturday morning from South Wales to make it in time for kick off in Cumbria. He will play alongside Karl Bowling, who will again look to release the rest of the backs from his 10 position.

Centre partnership this week is a case of little and large with Ali Cheal lining up at 12 and Captain Ricky Newton alongside him at 13.

The back 3 sees the pacey Kris Phillips retain his position on one wing and Brad Stapleton earn his place on the other after some good performances in pre-season and an impressive start for Fleetwood 2’s. Jack Crompton will make up the 3 from his position at 15, who after missing most of last season has made a great start to the new campaign.

The bench sees strong running Peter Benney and returning to the first team fold Andy Holme who like many others deserves his chance after a strong pre-season and commitment to training in recent weeks. Both will look to make an immediate impact when called upon.

1. Jamie Moran
2. Danny Atkin
3. Scott Dobbie
4. Rob Brookfield
5. James Lilley
6. Dale Thompson
7. Scott Richardson
8. Steve Woodburn
9. Paul Bamber
10. Karl Bowling
11. Kris Phillips
12. Ali Cheal
13. Ricky Newton (c)
14. Brad Stapleton
15. Jack Crompton

16. Peter Benney
17. Andy Holme