Rochdale Hornets News

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Rochdale Hornets will play host to Swinton Lions at Spotland this coming Sunday (4 May) in a local derby that has that little bit of added spice.

With five teams set to be relegated this season as the leagues restructure, the newly promoted Hornets and the crisis stricken Lions will both be out for the three points on offer as they look to avoid the drop.

Ian Talbot's team beat North Wales Crusaders last time out and had a week off last week, as Swinton were beaten on 'home' soil against Keighley Cougars at Leigh Sports Village.

Kick off is at 3.00pm with entry priced at £14 adults, £10 concessions (OAP/NUS/Armed Forces) and £5 for under 16s.

Rochdale Mayfield under 7s will take on Waterhead u7s in the curtain raiser and the game is sponsored by Old Rochdalians, with Jim Stringer as match ball sponsor and Interbake LTD as associate sponsors.

Pre match dining priced at £25 including ticket, lunch and optional hospitality is available by calling 01706 648004 or by email info@hornetsrugbyleague.com

There will be a bucket collection at Sunday’s game to raise funds towards the Chris Hough Testimonial fund.

A Hornets spokesperson said: "Houghy is hugely popular at Hornets and Swinton and has been granted an RFL Testimonial for 10 years service to the game following his retirement last season.

"Please contribute if you can on the day, or if you have any donations these will be happily received by the Hornets and passed to the organising committee.

"Further events will be announced in due course and we will keep a dedicated page on our website up to date with information as and when it is received by the club from the organising committee"

English Joins 100 Club

Hornets club captain Wayne English is set to make his 100th appearance for the Hornets if he is selected against his old club Swinton Lions on Sunday.

Wayne signed for the Hornets from Swinton Lions, for whom he played for for over 10 years and enjoyed a testimonial in 2009, before returning 'home' to the Hornets.

The 'Bolt from Kirkholt' was originally spotted playing for local amateur team Kirkholt WMC but was snapped up by the Hornets in 2010 and is set for a landmark 100th game on Sunday.

Roper the Roughyed

Hornets long serving half back Steve Roper, who has been with Gloucester All Golds on loan for the past month, will join Championship One neighbours Oldham Roughyeds on another month’s loan in order to maintain his match fitness.

Roper's chances have been limited so far this season with Ryan Millard, Paul Crook, Sean Casey, James Dandy, Lewis Sheridan and even Tilley and Dwyer from St Helens all competing for the 6, 7 and 9 spots.

Hornets CEO, Ryan Bradley, commented: "Tol has made it crystal clear that Roper is in our plans for this season. We are just over a quarter of the way through and we have been lucky with injuries so far. Roper needs to be playing to keep up his match sharpness so that when his chance comes, he can grasp it with both hands.

"We need a squad mentality this year and the likes of Chris Baines and Mike Ratu had to be patient at the start of the season, and it is the same with Ropes.

"He will go out initially for a month and then we will reassess it from there.

"I am grateful to Rob Webber and Brad Hepi at Gloucester for giving him is initial month, but with a young family and a demanding full time job it was in the best interests of everyone that Roper took the option closer to home."

Get Fit with a Fijian

Ryan Millard - a qualified personal trainer - will be adding his own flavour to the sessions which are great for those looking to lose some excess weight or tone up for the summer.

The sessions will run from 7-8pm at Spotland Stadium on Wednesday evenings and will cost just £2 per session.

For further information please contact Terri Davey on terri.davey@hornetsrugbyleague.com

Ladies Only Touch Rugby: Fun For All

The ladies only sessions will start on Monday 28 April at Kingsway Park Sports Centre.

The sessions will run every Monday excluding bank holidays from 7pm until 8pm and will cost just £2.

Touch expert and Hornets Player Ryan Millard will be on hand to teach the basic before everybody gives the fun non contact version of our great game a go.

Rochdale Hornets ladies will also be in attendance in a bid to improve their core handling skills and fitness levels. 

If you would like any further information on the sessions please contact Community Manager Terri Davey on 01706 648 004 or email terri.davey@hornetsrugbyleague.com