Rochdale Hornets Ex-Players Association annual dinner

Photo: Alpha Photography

Comedian Denny Waters, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, Malcolm Lord, Alex Murphy OBE and Graham Starkey

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Rochdale Hornets Ex-Players Association held their 23rd Annual Gentleman’s Dinner on Friday 20 February.

Attended by 155 people the event celebrated the ex-players of Rochdale Hornets as well as players from teams including Oldham, Huddersfield and Halifax.

Michael Baxter, from the Ex-Players Association, said: “It was a very enjoyable evening.”

Held at Mayfield Sports Centre, the event host was Malcolm Lord and the event Chairman was Graham Starkey, a former Hornets, Wigan and Huddersfield player.

The top table for the evening consisted of Alex Murphy OBE, a former St Helens and Warrington player, Dave Robinson, a former Wigan and Great Britain player and Simon Danczuk MP.

Entertainment was provided by comedian Denny Waters.

Speaking about the event, Mr Danczuk, said: "It was a real privilege to attend the dinner and meet so many people who have played for our local rugby team over the years. The entertainment was excellent and the banter amongst guests was second to none. You can imagine the jokes and insults a politician has to endure from so many rugby players and fans. I genuinely hope I'm invited back in future years, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening."

The event also raised around £300 which will be donated to help amateur sport.

Mr Baxter added: “Whatever we have raised will go towards supporting amateur sport. It will more than likely be Rugby League but we might help coaches and things. Nothing has been decided yet though.”

The event was first held 23 years ago to bring former players together and has been held ever since.

“23 years ago this kind of event started to be run so it was decided that Rochdale would do one as well and it has gone from there really. It’s a really good night and it is not only about celebrating Hornets players, we have people from other teams come along as well. All together we had about 40 former players at last week’s event,” added Mr Baxter.

The event was sponsored by Alpha Photography, Mayfield Sports Centre and Le Papillion.