Hoppers’ 145th anniversary celebrations kick off on Friday night as the 2nd XV host local rivals Fylde in what promises to be an entertaining encounter at Lightfoot Green.
Young’s men enter the fixture buoyed by their eye catching victory over Macclesfield last time out.
As ever the cards are shuffled as injury denies Young of Harry Moulding whilst Andrew Irving, Sam Russell, Tom Hurst, Jack Wilkinson and Matt Gargett are all promoted to the first team squad.
Hoppers pick a side that mixes experience with youthful exuberance whilst the focus before the league splits is on the long term development of local talent.
Fylde overcame Hoppers at the Woodlands last Spring but the home side’s recent record over their old foes has been one of dominance.
Everything points to an eye catching fixture as both sides will doubtless look to play expansive rugby, whilst the local bragging rights on offer means it promises to be a spicy affair.
Kick off is scheduled for 7.45 and the hope is that the Lancashire weather will be kind.
The match day squad is as follows:
Mabaya
Tuff
McGuinness
Wardell
Gale
Frings
Walker
Proctor
Marshall
Kendall
Woof
Geatches
Reddick
Rhodes-Powers
Murray
Burns
Banks
Elliott
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Photo courtesy of Mike Craig.
