The eagerly anticipated X-Colts game vs. Vale of Lune is now less than a week away (Wednesday 21st December 6.30pm KO). In the run up to the this game the website will be featuring the players set to return and play for the club. This should help remind people of these past players or give an insight into ‘who they are’ for those of you who may well have never seen or heard of them. As promised here are some more……..
Jacob Shorrock – Back Row = Jacob played for the colts 3 seasons ago before going travelling to New Zealand for two years. He has since renewed contact with the club, playing the occasional game for the clubs 3rd XV whilst also studying for a sports science degree.
Alex Titterington – 2nd row = Alex, who will be known by many as the former club bar manager, has now returned from his travelling and a stint playing in Canada. Alex is now working at Assembly in Preston and is aiding our post match socialising so should be afforded a warm reception by all the players on Wednesday.
Sean Hall – Scrum Half = Sean had played for the club since the age of 10, but left from part of the clubs 1st / 2nd XV at the beginning of last season due to injury. He is now playing a little rugby league to keep fit between working with family on home improvements / renovation projects.
Joe Nolan – Wing = Joe is currently a registered colt but has not played for the team since leaving for Newcastle University in October where he is studying Geography and playing intra-mural rugby.
Jamie Bantleman – Hooker = Jamie played for the club from age 6-17, representing the county at various age groups and is still of colts age this season but has not played due to leaving Preston to study at Leeds University. If you attended the clubs firework display this year you will have probably noticed Jamie as he was the fool walking round in just a vest (& trousers of course) whilst others donned hats, scarf’s & gloves!
John Wells – 2nd row = John played for hoppers from the age of 9 and left at 17 to play at Myerscough College. In his second year at College he came back to Hoppers and was part of 1st / 2nd team squad but left the club for neighbours Fylde 2 seasons ago where he has been part of their 1st team squad.
Pete Duckworth – Hooker = Pete played for the club in the mini-junior section currently chaired by his father, leaving to complete a degree in Leeds about 4 years ago. He is now living back in Preston but has not seen much rugby this season due to injury – no doubt sustained in his current occupation as… Batman! (This is the information he provided).
Rob Burn – Wing = Rob is back playing at Hoppers after spending 2007-10 at university in Durham. He is currently studying the Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School in Manchester and working behind Hoppers’ bar.
Rob Mason – Back Row = Rob played for hoppers since the age of 6 got his knee high to grasshopper and is back playing this season for hoppers 3s after a dislocated shoulder. Rob is now working at home on the farm after doing 3 years at Bishop Burton College where he was captain of the 1st team; he also helps with the mini-junior coaching on Sunday when farming permits.
Josh Keay – Back Row = Josh, the son of former coach Alex, is currently in his final year at Hutton Grammar and is part of the 2nd team squad here at Hoppers but has unfortunately seen his opportunities limited this season due to injury and work commitments.
More of the squad and their profiles will be appearing on the website in the coming days so keep checking to find out who else will be making an appearance. If you are an ex colt/mini-junior player aged between 18-23 and would like to play on the 21st December please contact Kai Burns on 07894-489730 or kaiburns@rfu.com.
For other profiles of players who are playing, click here.
