Thornton-Cleveleys Rugby Club

Thornton RUFC name 3 20 man squads for this weekends fixtures, a far cry from the woes of last season. The journey the club has made since the 'Summer Touch League' clearly shows that Thornton are the fastest growing club in the world!

The first team entertain bottom of the table Ormskirk in a home fixture. the last time the 2 teams met, Thornton managed their biggest win on the road this season. But ormskirk also were the first team to play the whole game with contested scrums. The results and performances they have put in should see them climb up the table, but the sheer competitiveness makes it very tough at the bottom.

Thornton name one of their strongest squads of the season as they welcome back a host of players. In the pack, Neil, Ben and Cooper make up the front row with Joe Connell making a return to partner Tom Cockcroft in teh second row. Michael Docherty moves to blindside to partner Chris Brannigan who skippers the side from the flank with Baz Tucker starting at Number 8. Adam Lester keeps the 9 shirt ahead of Chris Clapp who is on the bench. Mark Webster returns at 10 with Dan Orwin and David Beardsall in the centres. Ashton Yamnikar and Sonny Flood take their positions on the wing with Stephen Hatch at fullback. On the bench, James Gorrie returns to cover the front row with Johni Drake covering the back 5. Tom Lancashire, Iain Hollingsworth and Clapp make up the squad.

Paul Moran states that 'this weekend could be as tough a fixture as we make it. we have to go in to the game with good focus and make sure that the teamwork is there for all to see'.

The 2nd team travel to Fleetwood to play in the eagerly anticipated derby game. Having already beaten Fleetwood at home this season, and a commanding league position over the opposition, Thornton are in good form going in to the game. Coach Dave Ferridge name a strong squad for the fixture with Marcus Lees partnering Matt Williams and Doug Riley in the front row. The second row see's Paul Carleson partner Julien Maynard whilst Pete Smythe, Lee Norris and Pete Rainman make up the back row. Dan Powell returns at 9 to partner Dave Harrison at fly half. Rick Brown partners Dave Snelson with Tom Bailey and Andy Hatch in the back 3.

THE MIGHTY 3RD TEAM ALSO TAKE TO THE FIELD THIS WEEKEND TO PLAY COLNE AND NELSON AT STANLEY PARK. A STRONG SQUAD IS AVAILABLE AND CAN BE SEEN ON THE WEBSITE.

HOWEVER, ANY PLAYER WHO FANCIES A GAME AND IS NOT ON THE LIST, PLEASE TURN UP TO STANLEY PARK AT 13.00 AND A GAME IS GARUNTEED FORALL THOSE WHO ATTEND.

A massive good luck to all teams this weekend!!! dont forget to come back to the club for the England v Scotland game on the Big TV, with plenty of refreshments for all.