Last week saw TC 1's travel to Widnes where we took on old foes, Birchfield. On a pitch where the 10m line was 8m in, it was always going to be a physical & tight knit game. The boys from Thornton put in one hell of a shift though & overcame the hosts 31-12. Coach Hanson highlighting it as one of the performances of the season. The big emphasis this year is focusing on these sort of performances & then bettering them! Consistency in performance & results will be what get's us to where we want to be come the end of April. But this weekend's visitors, Burnley, will be having similar thoughts.

Burnley will travel to Thornton this Saturday knowing that last season they did the double over us. Yes, the games were incredibly close & could have gone either way, but the results are what is important & Burnley took home the bacon - TWICE! Burnley are very similar to many teams in this league & are very 'forward' based in their style of play. They are abrasive, aggressive & in your face & i'll tell you something for nothing, the TC boys cannot wait! The focus in training at Thornton this week has been superb, that goes for both 1st & 2nd XV squads. Thursday night's session was one of the best ones yet since Hans took control. It is imperative this gets carried through in to the games on Saturday. Burnley are in very similar form to ourselves & nothing really separates us in the league table - but a win on Saturday & the victors will climb.

The TC pack is very similar to the one that dominated over in Widnes but for one change in the starting lineup. After a full 80mins representing our 2nd XV last Saturday I move in to the second row replacing Tom Bailey who moves to the bench. I will be joined in the row by Neil Wright. South African hitter, Ryan Haywood, keeps a hold of the no.7 jersey after impressing there last week & is joined there by the ever present Michael Docherty & impressive youngster, Simon Hoddinott. The front row remains unchanged also.There are some slight changes to the backline; Toby Holder-Williams shows his versatility by starting at 9 (not the first time this season) against the team he actually started as Hooker against last season. New boy Pete Armstrong does not lose out though, he simply moves on to the wing. Pete Macauley will be pulling the strings from the 10 position once again despite immense pressure in training from Sean Donnelly. Orwin & Meekins continue their solid centre partnership with Clapp & flyer, Mellor-Clark making up the backline. The bench is young, fit & exciting, with Edge Hill student, Dom Griffiths, and the very exciting prospect, Ellis Wolstencroft joining Bailey in completing the bench. It is a good TC lineup with all the lads having really fought to win their place.

Our 2nd XV take a strong squad over to Burnley where they hope to continue the excellent work from last Saturday's 26-24 victory over a good Blackburn 3's team. A number of players continue to knock on the first team door, the likes of Daws, Donnelly, Smith, Holland, & Jones have all been involved with the 1st XV at some point this season & I have no doubts that they plus others will be back again soon!

Not that any of you should need reminding but arrive on time (in TC gear) & make sure you have your club shirt & tie for post game. Fine enforcers will be dotted around.

This weekend's socials are almost as tasty as the big games (but not quite) where the TC boys have invites to celebrate Callum Holland & Sam Smith's 21st birthday, being hosted by Sam Smith at The Breck Club, Poulton, 19:30 start. There is also a big 30th going on for Johnny Wilkinson (no, not that one) at the North Shore Sports & Social Club, same time. So pack your shirt, tie & toothbrush it could be a big one for the lads! With all that in mind, first thing is first, go & earn your sambucas TC!!

TCRUFC. Burnley. Game on.

Brannigan