Preston Grasshoppers 3rd XV vs. Preston Grasshoppers 2nd XV
This Saturday sees the club’s 2nd and 3rd teams battle it out in an eagerly anticipated fixture in the NW Cotton Traders Premiership. As is often the case in these interclub games, it promises to be very hotly contested and should be a great exhibition of the strength in depth currently enjoyed at the club. Kick-off is at 12:15pm to allow spectators the chance to take in both this game and the 1st XV game at 2:15pm.
After consecutive promotions, the 3rd XV have adapted reasonably well to life in the Premiership winning three out of their seven matches so far. Running Fylde and Sale FC very close and scoring five tries on the road at Caldy last week in a 36-46 reverse will give them the confidence that they can be competitive again here.
The 2nd XV have enjoyed a superb start to the campaign, winning six out of seven, including a couple of demolition jobs and two fine away wins at Sedgley Park and Fylde. Under Paul Moran’s tutelage it is looking likely that a title push could be on the cards in the New Year.
2nd XV Coach, Paul Moran talks tactics with Jack Swarbrick
New 2nd XV Head Coach Moran is looking forward to the weekend – “Well, after two games as head coach of the twos, I have to say that joining this club has probably been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a Coach. The baptism of fire of a first game away at Fylde and a tight win, followed a treat for the eye on Saturday at home to Rochdale. But, for someone who is still new to the club and still learning people’s names….. All the chat seems to be about a potential ‘Monster Clash’ this Saturday.
Now, people tell me about the quality that the 3rds have and the experience that they have, and I have no doubt that looking at their results, especially the most recent performance away at Caldy at the weekend, that it will be no repeat of Rochdale.
From a personal point of view, it’s a game of rugby I can’t wait to part of. Mainly because I will get to meet most if not all the players I haven’t met yet. From a 2s point of view, we are more than ready, and will leave no stone unturned this week in training. The level these players are training at, the intensity they work at makes us more than ready. Exciting players like Harvey May and Jack Granby, who will both play 1s this year I’m sure, combined with experience from Jonty Wilson and Andrew Deakin gives us great balance. The versatility of Olly Yates and Tom Forster, plus the resilience of Danny Lin and Harry Holden ensure that come 12.15 on Saturday, we will be ready.
And as G.K Chesterson once said ‘the true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him’”.
3rd XV skipper Tom Peterson in action last season
With usual 3rd XV Public Relations Manager Jamie Best still struggling with an irritable bowel and unavailable for comment, captain Tom Peterson spoke to the media ahead of the game. “When we were relegated to the 2nd division three years ago, days like Saturday and the Cotton Traders Premiership seemed a long way away. However, we have worked very hard over the past two seasons and to now be able test ourselves each week against some of the biggest names in NOWIRUL rugby, greats such as Jonty Wison and Danny Burns, it all makes it seem worthwhile. We hope to give a good account of ourselves and entertain the crowd with our unorthodox brand of rugby.”
