This weekend the 1st team are not in action so the focus is on the 2's. The second team finished 2014 with a hard fought win over Leigh. The side showed a level of grit and determination that I think can carry them into the promotion spots come the end of the season.
This visitors to the Windmill ground this week are a club I know well. My previous club Vale of Lune. "The Vale" are well known for producing big competitive forwards and mixing this with youthful, quick backs. The Vale B side will be no different and I expect this to be a hard fought match.

Selection has been very difficult this week with a number of players joining the club recently and putting in superb performances. Competition for places has spread right through the club.

Starting in the front row is the ever improving Peter Keay. Peters enthusiasm to learn has been an example to all at the club. He is joined by college team mate Will Paterson at Hooker, and Raj Hutchinson at tight head. Captain Jamie Beecher is paired with Tom Cockcroft in the second row as Tom continues his return from injury. The back row comprises of returning Loughborough Student CJ Barber and Tom Bailey on either side of club stalwart Baz Tucker.

The order of the day with this back line. Quick ball.
In the backs Vice captain Dan Powell starts at 9 after impressing there against Leigh. Dan was constant thorn in Leigh's side with his work around the breakdown. Sean Donnelly will be pulling the strings from 10, something he did very well against Leigh. In the centres Tom Rowley lines up at 12, another who's performance against Leigh deserves merit. He is partnered by try machine Dave Snelson. The back 3 consists of Pete Armstrong in the 11 shirt, Clint Roscoe at 14 and Stephen Hatch at full back.

As I mentioned earlier the strength in depth of the whole club is growing and growing. This is shown in the quality of some of the players on the bench. Human battering ram Dean Finegan is joined by Matt Smiles in covering the front row. Niall Crane covers 2nd row. The back row is covered by Blackpool College student Andy Forbes, Rob Fallows and Pete Rae]. In the backs Jack Macfarlane returns from injury. Oli Kelly covers 10 and Pat Meehan offers lightening speed for the back 3.

I unfortunately can't be there for this one as I'm attending a wedding. I can assure you I'll be checking my phone for updates during the speeches.

Its a 1pm meet so don't be late. Club shirt and tie for after the game.
This really is a huge game for the 2's so all support is needed no matter what. So if you are free, get down and cheer the lads on.

Low and Hard
Mark Hanson
Head Coach