On Saturday we are delighted to be welcoming Marston’s to Lightfoot Green as the main match sponsors for the 1st XV game with Harrogate.
Marston’s completed a takeover of Daniel Thwaites brewing arm in a £25.1 million deal last year and this is the first time that Marston’s will be sponsoring a game since the takeover. Ahead of the game we caught up with regional sales manager and former Hoppers 1st XV player Steve Kerry to ask him a few questions.
Steve in his Rugby league days
Who are Marston’s and what has happened with the Thwaite’s brand?..
Marstons are based in the Midlands and they are a similar traditional brewery to the way Thwaites were in that they own pubs and hotels and supply beer wines and spirits and soft drinks to the Free trade (pubs, clubs and free houses that they don’t own) and also cans and bottles to the off trade supermarkets and export markets. Marstons changed their name from Wolverhampton and Dudley to Marstons, the company have bought since 1980 Banks Whychwood, Mansfield, Brakspear, Ringwood and Jennings Brewery’s. The Thwaites purchase was a little different in that they did not buy the Thwaites pubs and hotels, they bought the free trade and brewing including the depot at Shadsworth, and all the brands including Wainwright, Lancaster Bomber and Smooth.
Why are Marston’s keen to sponsor a Hoppers 1st XV game?
Marstons novated the sponsorship deal from Thwaites, so the continued supply to Hoppers was seamless, the company are particularly passionate as many Hoppers members are on cask ale. We supply 40 permanent ales and a host of seasonal and specials, including the world famous “Marston’s Pedigree“ which is still brewed out of the “Burton union system”. We are keen to progress our links with sport in the North and see Hoppers as a first class vehicle to portray this to customers both new and old.
What connections do Marston’s have to Hoppers?
ME ! and my Colleague today Richard Mills, the company in general have been very impressed with the club and its passion for cask ales, we have used the club many times for meetings already. This will continue
If you had to recommend one Marston’s beer to the Hoppers members what would it be and why?
Apart from the incredible Hobgoblin, Marston’s new world pale ale……very refreshing and Zingy !
Were you impressed with Eddie Jones and his England team during the 6 Nations?
Yes absolutely, I thought he won the press and media mind game battle hands down, and I felt the team responded to the pressures really well, they are a young team and look exciting for the future. The win against Wales was particularly easy and nice!
Who was your player of the tournament in the 6 Nations?
Chris Robshaw, a fantastic attitude to rugby and life, professional or amateur. His response, media speak and performances after losing the captaincy were a lesson to us all.
What is your prediction for the game with Harrogate on Saturday?
Hoppers to win 25-12
We look forward to welcoming Steve, his colleagues and clients to Hoppers on Saturday.
