This Saturday we are pleased to have Hosokawa Micron Ltd at Lightfoot Green as our main match sponsors for the 1st XV game with Tynedale.
Ahead of the game we caught up with managing Managing Director Iain Crosley to ask him some questions about the business but also to get his thoughts on rugby matters.
Who are Hosokawa Micron and what services do they offer?
The Hosokawa Micron Group is the largest company in the world offering Powder Processing equipment and technologies. The Group is renowned for its pioneering development work and has a strong heritage in meeting engineering challenges with creativity, ingenuity and engineering innovation to give customers identifiable production advantages.
What connections do Hosokawa Micron Ltd have to Preston Grasshoppers?
Hosokawa Micron has a long connection with Hoppers through past players who worked for the company. My sons, James and Niall and myself are members of the club and have been involved in playing and coaching
Why is Hosokawa Micron Ltd keen to sponsor this match at Hoppers?
Our match sponsorship day has become a regular feature of the Hosokawa Micron calendar, providing an excellent opportunity to meet customers, suppliers and friends in a relaxed and informal theatre which is thoroughly enjoyed by all.
This year the Hosokawa Micron Group celebrates its centenary making this the perfect opportunity to personally thank our loyal customers and suppliers for their business and support, over many years, in the very hospitable surrounding of Preston Grasshoppers.
What are your predictions for the game with Tynedale?
I think that this could be a very close game. Tynedale had some poor results at the start of the season, but narrowly beat Hoppers 22-18 in the reverse fixture in October. Recent results seem to have shown they are improving with recent wins over Caldy and Sale and a loss to Macclesfield.
With Hoppers recent improvement and focus I will go in favour of a Hoppers win by a converted try.
Who will win the 6 Nations and why?
The first weekend of the Six Nations, lived up to expectations for it being a tight competition. With all of the sides licking their wounds following the World Cup.
The Ireland vs Wales fixture was a real bruiser that showed some real determination from Wales and inspired play from Ireland in the first half.
France v Italy was a tense old affair, and I thought Italy were worthy contenders and deserved more. France again showed that they have a wealth of talent and Virimi Vakatawa was outstanding.
As a Scot, the Scotland England fixture was a disappointment. Scotland had the chance to build a good cushion in the first half with opportunities to score two tries, a penalty and a drop goal. England looked solid and did a job, however Jack Nowell’s try was sublime.
On reflection I think the two sides who impressed the most were Wales and Ireland. If Ireland can build on Sunday’s performance and keep their focus and discipline, then they are capable of winning the championship again, however the strength in defence, determination and stability of the team and coaching staff should tip in Wales favour.
Will Eddie Jones be a success as England Coach?
Following a disastrous World Cup performance England are desperate to turn the corner and show the potential they should have as the biggest Union in the World.
Eddie Jones is an interesting shout as he has had a mixed track record, and you can’t compare Japan with England. Dick Greenwood has stated many times that Japan are a pleasure to coach and have a willingness to try new ideas and learn. England on the other hand are perhaps the Polar Opposite.
I think Jones success will depend on how much support he gets from the “Twickenham Old Guard” and how influential he will be allowed to be.
We look forward to welcoming Iain, his colleagues, clients and guests to Lightfoot Green on Saturday.
