Hornets are ship shape

Rochdale Hornets make the most of the Boroughs links with the Armed Forces community

Rochdale Hornets made the most of the Boroughs links with the Armed Forces community as they took part in a three day training weekend with the Royal Navy.

Hornets, who have recently pledged their support to current and ex-military personnel by signing the armed forces corporate covenant, were stationed at Fort Blockhouse in Gosport where they made use of the extensive sporting facilities on offer, including pitch, sauna, gym and sports halls, as well as being put through their paces by Royal Navy PT Chris Reeves.

They also made the short trip across the harbour to HMS Temeraire for a session with top sporting psychologist Lt Bebbington, who has influenced work with the England national football team, before playing a series of conditioned games against the Royal Navy at the purpose built Royal Navy Sporting Excellence Facility.

The training camp, which was funded by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and the club's Squad Builder scheme, will set the club up nicely for the season ahead, according to head coach Ian Talbot.

“My contact time with the players is limited for various reasons so to get everyone together for a few days was really good.

“We probably got through about two weeks’ worth of work which puts us ahead of schedule. Usually we are waiting until pre-season friendlies to give us a marker but we know now what work needs to be done and can use the friendlies to work on those points.

“I'd like to thank those that made the trip possible and the navy, particularly 'Scouse' Reeves for an excellent weekend”.

The Royal Navy are themselves preparing for the upcoming Challenge Cup tie with Saddleworth and were happy to take pointers from the Rochdale coaching staff, with Chris Hough in particular keen to pass on his knowledge to the Navy elite and academy squads.

“We were delighted to be able to host Rochdale Hornets,” commented POPT Lockton, Royal Navy head coach.

“We have the best squad for a number of years at our disposal and we are working hard to make sure they reach that potential.

“Being able to call on Ian's (Talbot) expertise as well as have a good hit out against a professional outfit was very useful as we prepare for the Challenge Cup and Inter Services campaigns.

“Both sets of players bought into what we wanted to achieve and the feedback from Fort Blockhouse and people around is that the Rochdale Hornets are fantastic professionals.'

“With both parties happy with the results of the weekend, it is hoped that the relationship between the Royal Navy and Rochdale Hornets will continue to blossom”.