Season kicks off for Rochdale Hornets

Hornets take on South Wales Scorpions

Rochdale Hornets take on South Wales Scorpions in the iPro League One Cup opening round at Spotland Stadium on (Sunday 1 March).

Kick off is 3.00pm at Spotland Stadium (turnstiles open from 1.30pm).

For Hornets coach Ian Talbot this first competitive game of the season can’t come soon enough: “It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “When you finish the season with relegation you just want to get back on the horse as soon as possible. We’ve been kicking our heels a bit and are raring to go.

“I don’t know much about the Scorpions. We played against them in Championship One a couple of years ago. Obviously they are a totally different outfit now but there are one or two familiar faces.

“Connor Farrer, who is now the captain, is a quality player. He’s their main threat and has been for a couple of years so we’ll have to work on nullifying him. They’ve recruited through the off season, so it isn’t going to be and easy game.”

Mike Grady, the Scorpions coach said: “We are all looking forward to our first League One Cup game, although I'm under no illusions how tough of a task it will be playing away against a very good Rochdale side.

“The 17 we will select on the day will give no less than 100 per cent as it’s a big chance to stake their claim for the season. There are a potentially nine players going to make their debut at this level on Sunday.

“Rochdale have come down from the Championship and will be amongst the favourites to go back up. Ian Talbot has got a great squad and will have his boys fired up and ready to go. It will be a good test for us and will give our boys an indication of how tough life is going to be in this division.”

Hornets 19 man squad is as follows:

1 Wayne English
3 Dave Llewellyn
4 Lee Paterson
5 Dale Bloomfield
6 Paul Crook
7 Danny Yates
8 John Cookson
9 Alex Mcclurg
10 Warren Thompson
11 Jordan Case
13 Tony Suffolk
18 Dean Mignacca
19 Danny Bridge
20 Brad Hargreaves
21 Ryan Smith
22 Mike Ratu
23 James Dandy
24 Dave Hull
28 Matty Hadden

Supporters can collect pre-ordered shirts from the club shop on matchday from 1pm.

There are also home and away shirts in stock from Sunday, priced at £40 members, £45 non-members.

Stocks are limited and all shirts. Sizes are sold on first come, first served basis from 1pm.

The brand new green away shirt, as voted for by members, will be worn by the first team squad during Sundays warm up and worn for the first time in Saturdays LadbrokesChallenge Cup fixture with Kells.

Challenge cup ticketing information

Kells ARLFC and Rochdale Hornets have confirmed ticket prices for the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fixture on 7 March (5pm KO).

The game will take place at Whitehaven’s Recreation ground and tickets will cost £5 adults, £2 OAPs with under 16s free of charge.

Supporters are welcome at the Kells ARLFC club house (2 minutes from the Rec) both before and after the game, with the post-match presentations taking place at Kells.

Any supporters interested in booking on the supporters coach can do so by emailing info@hornetsrugbyleague.com

A cost will be finalised once approximate numbers are confirmed and a comfort break in Cockermouth is planned.

Everyone is welcome and your support of the Fun Bus would be greatly appreciated as it is many peoples only way of attending away fixtures and needs to be viable.

Sponsorship opportunities selling fast

We still have first team players available to sponsor.

For £250 you get recognition on team sheets, programme and PA announcements as well as the player's signed shirt at the end of the season.

There is limited pre-match dining available for the Hornets versus Oldham Roughyeds season opener on Good Friday, 3 April.

A table of ten, including match tickets and a two course lunch, is available for just £250.
Early booking is advised.

Main match sponsorships (for 10) and matchball sponsorships (for six people) are selling fast.
Prices start from £250 for a matchball and £400 for main match sponsorship- again book early to secure your preferred date.

For more details on any of our matchday or sponsorship opportunities:  info@hornetsrugbyleague.com