Hoppers 2nd XV begin their campaign in the Bateman BMW Premier League with a local derby against our friends from Vale of Lune. With a positive pre-season campaign behind them, Coach Young has an excellent pool of players to select from with a number of tough selection calls to make despite a number of established players being unavailable this week.
This season’s senior squad has been bolstered by the addition of a number of young players all keen to impress and push their claims for promotion to the 1st XV. The league promises to be a stronger competition than in recent seasons with the promotion of Sale FC and Sandbach to the top flight whilst a number of the usual suspects have strengthened their squads and renewed their commitment to a strong 2nd XV competition.
The 18 man squad sees competitive club debuts for a number of players including backs Conor Trueman, Ben Rhodes-Powers, Ryan Marshall and Sam Kendall whilst amongst the forwards there are first appearances for Dave Perry, Will Lees and Chris Taylor. The returning James Mawdsley and Sam Whyte add strength to the squad whilst Jack Banks returns to action after recovery from a knee problem. The team is captained by Alex Austin who must have been close to selection for the 1st XV opener at Sheffield. With rolling subs permitted the 18 man squad will be used to the full.
Meet time for the players is 1.30pm for a 3pm kick off. If you are not making the trip over the Pennines then please come down and support the lads.
Team vs Vale of Lune
1) Madden
2) Mawdsley
3) McGuinness
4) Austin*
5) Perry
6) Aspinall
7) Lees
8) Taylor
9) Smith
10) Murray
11) Marshall
12) Rhodes-Powers
13) Kendall
14) Trueman
15) Yates
16) Mabaya
17) Banks
18) Whyte
