On Saturday Thornton Cleveleys 1st team travel away to newly promoted Birchfield. TC will be looking to rectify two successive defeats. The attitude and application in training this week has been outstanding, excellent numbers down but also some real quality work being put in. With this Thornton are travelling in a confident mood
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Birchfield's return to North Lancs 1 started with 2 away losses to Garstang and Didsbury Toc H. Both by a considerable margin. This however was followed up by an impressive 27-26 victory over Littleborough. A week later another victory, this time over North Manchester. They then lost out to early season pace setters Oldham before winning last weekend away at St Edwards Old Boys. TC know we are in for a very close game away in Widnes

After a week away I return to start at loosehead, Neil Wright moving his considerable power into the 2nd row. Ben Calvert starts at hooker and James Gorrie returns at tighthead. Tom Bailey keeps his place in the 2nd row to complete the tight 5. The back row sees 1 change with Ryan Haywood bringing his pace and aggression to the 7 shirt. Simon Hoddinott continues at 6 and No. 8 Michael Docherty rounds up the pack.

At half back Pete Armstrongs starts in the 9 shirt. Pete Macauley will be dictating play from 10. Dan Orwin starts at inside centre and is partnered by the dynamic Rob Meekins. The back 3 see's 1 change with Steve Hatch coming in on the wing for Henri Hesketh. Which leaves Ross Mellor-Clark and captain Chris Clapp to make up the starting 15.

On the bench young Dom Griffths covers just about every position in the pack. He is joined by Toby Holder-Williams who has recovered from illness. Thee final bench spot goes to Sean Donnelly who has been a leading player for the 2nd team this year and will cover fly half.

A quick look through some of the names in the 2nd team squad should be a timely reminder that TC have serious competition for places. Everyone knows they are going to have to fight to keep their shirt. I personally wouldn't have it any other way.

Low and Hard Gents.
Mark Hanson
Head Coach