Hornets News

Rochdale Hornets travel to France this weekend, as they take on league leaders Toulouse Olympique at Stade Ernest Argeles on Saturday.

They go into the fixture off the back of a disappointing defeat to York City Knights, as they lost their unbeaten home record in the league in a 36-16 loss.

It was the third time that the Knights had beaten Alan Kilshaw’s men this season and he was critical of his side’s mental toughness.

“They’re becoming a bit of a bogey side for us,” admitted Kilshaw.

“I just thought the performance was off on the day, for whatever reason.
“I think we’ve beat better teams than York this season, no disrespect to York.

“It could be a mental thing, I just think we did some things which were out of character and not the standards that we have set previously.

“It is a little bit of a concern that under pressure, mentally we’re pretty weak at times and we need to be tougher mentally and that’s a big focus coming into these last few games.

“It was a very disappointing performance.”

This week’s opponents are unbeaten in their 17 League One fixtures this season, as they sit comfortably at the top of the division.

They are favourites for promotion, which has led to some teams going to France with a defeated attitude as they feel they have no chance of a win.

Hornets won’t be approaching the game in that manner though, as they are looking to come up with a performance which could cause an upset.

“We’re going there to be as professional as we can to put in a performance and hopefully get a win,” continued the Hornets head coach.

“There’s no pressure on us this week.

“They are the heavy favourites for the competition and they have been well looked after this year with their fixture list, and a few little things here and there.

“It’s a challenge, but we like a challenge.

“The lads do need to show mental toughness and do need to show resilience this weekend.

“Hopefully we will have that in abundance and we can put in a performance that we can be really proud of before the week off, then we go again for those last two home games.”

Despite the French outfit being unbeaten this season, one team has taken a point off them, as Hornets drew 28-all in a dramatic encounter during the regular season.

They had trailed 16-0, before a Tom Lineham double and James Tilley try took them into the break level.

Danny Yates and Jono Smith crossed to put the hosts in the lead, and after the visitors had fought back to edge themselves ahead Paul Crook held his nerve to seal a point with a late penalty goal.

Although Kilshaw will be taking positives from that performance, he admitted that his focus is all about Saturday’s clash.

“We will go there with no fear because of that.

“I think some teams have played them and have been a little bit fearful, but we know we can match them.

“We probably should have won that game, and I’ll have another look back at that.

“They have benefitted from being full-time and it is tough going out there, with the logistics and you’re out of your regular routine.

“We know it’s going to be difficult, and we will take something out of the last time we played them but it is more about now and putting in a performance this week, and not getting too focused on what’s gone on in the past.”

In team news, Wayne English will miss out due to his inability to train this week because of work commitments, which moves Jack Holmes to fullback as Jake Shoel and Lewis Galbraith come into a reshuffled back line

Workhorse James Tilley is rested for the trip to France, as the ever dependable Alex Trumper moves back up to the pack.

Paul Crook, who suffered a dip in form following an injury away to Barrow, returns after a three game absence with James Dandy missing out despite a solid performance in his long awaited return from injury last week.

Chris Riley, Dave Cookson and Ryan Maneely are all unavailable due to injury.

Pay what you can

‘Pay what you can’ early, early bird season tickets for 2017 are being launched.

With the playing league, and number of home games still unconfirmed supporters are being given the opportunity to snap up an early, early bird season ticket at £100 plus a voluntary ‘pay what you can’ donation.

Hornets chairman, Mark Wynn, said: "We know that our loyal supporters will buy a season ticket irrespective of the division we are in, so we are giving them the chance to buy early at a reduced rate, but if they feel that they want to pay a little bit more there is also an opportunity to donate more.

“We are a members owned club and the more money we generate from season ticket sales, the more competitive can be on the field.

"Regardless of the league we are in, whether it is the Kingstone Press Championship or the Kingstone Press League One, there will still be a minimum of 10 home league games and the club is asking for a minimum pledge of £100.

“If you want the club to be more successful, pay more, and if you can only afford the minimum then that’s fine too.

“Supporters can pay more at a later date if they wish, once the league and number of games has been confirmed but we can ensure that no other season ticket offer will undercut the minimum price offered now.”

The offer ends on 1 October 2017.

Bradley on his Bike

Departing Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley donned his lycra and helmet last weekend as he chose to cycle from his Burnley home to Spotland for Sundays Super 8 clash with York City Knights as part of the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation 'Raise & Give' day.

As Bradley set out he knew it would be tough and admitted himself that he is 'no avid cyclist' but he never envisaged it would be as tough as it actually was.

After losing the pedal from his bike at just the end of his street, he carried the bike home. Having already taken donations for the ride he knew he couldn't let anyone down so elected to walk the 20 mile trip instead.

He explained: "I'd already done pretty well for donations and couldn't face getting to Spotland and having to tell people I hadn't made it because my pedal fell off.

"It took me until Thursday to be able to walk in a straight line and my feet were a real mess but I'm proud to have done it and support a great cause."

Rochdale Cobras

Rochdale Cobras past and present are rallying around for the family of David Baker, an ex player who died suddenly at his home in Rochdale on Thursday night (11 August).

He leaves behind a loving family as well as girlfriend, Jemma, who was pregnant with his first child. Jemma also has a 5 year old daughter.

David played for the Firgrove outfit as a youngster and has many friends still involved with the club.

They have arranged a Rochdale Cobras reunion day and will also run a rugby league sevens tournament at Firgrove on Sunday 28 August to raise money to help Jemma at this tragic time.

They have set up a fundraising page in his memory and money raised will go  towards helping Jemma, her five-year-old daughter and their unborn child.