Hornets looking to form masters side

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Players of all ages and abilities are being invited by Rochdale Hornets to participate in a new Rochdale Masters rugby league team.

The club is looking for players to join the team in the New Year as it aims to encourage past players from the club to take part, as well as local residents.

After an initial meeting between some members of the club and the community there is belief that there is potential for a masters side in the area.

Alan Kilshaw, who combines his role as head coach with his position as the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation community manager, has high hopes after sitting down with club chairman Mark Wynn, ex-players Chris Churm and Emon Ratu and volunteer community coach and ex Mayfield player Marvin Connely.

He said: “Masters rugby league is a great concept and having met with Chris, Emon, Mark and Marvin we all believe there is a lot of potential in Rochdale for a successful masters group.

“I believe the benefits of masters are very important for over 35s, and with physical and mental health high on our agenda it keeps the players active but also connected to the game and to continue as part of a team.

“We want the Rochdale Masters group to become a strong group and active with regular meet ups and training sessions.

“We understand the day to day constraints and priorities with work and family life, but with masters training and events we can strike a good balance for the masters players. We want to contribute to physical and mental well-being and a lot of laughs and enjoyment along the way.”

Masters rugby league is for over 35s and accommodates different age groups with different rules according to the colour of their shorts.

Those aged 35-39 wear white shorts and players between 40 and 49 will be found in black shorts, with these players tending to tackle each other normally.

Red shorts are for players between the age of 50 and 59 and in attack they must be physically stopped and held, while they only need to make a two-handed hold on an attacker in defence.

Those over 60 are given gold shorts and only have to touch their opponent when in defence to make a tackle, while a defender must remove a ‘tag’ from their shorts to complete a tackle on them.

Rochdale Hornets will be arranging some friendly matches later in 2017 and has also planned a masters game prior to a Rochdale Hornets fixture in the summer.