Fylde make three changes in their starting line-up for the short trip to Lightfoot Green to meet old friends and rivals Preston Grasshoppers (ko 14.30) in National Two (North). Greg Smith is named at fly-half whilst in the pack lock Matt Garrod and no 8 David Fairbrother start. A young replacements bench includes locally developed halfback Charlie Cadley who will be hoping to make his 1st XV debut at some stage during the afternoon.
Whilst Fylde hold the bragging rights (4 wins, a draw and a defeat in the last 3 seasons), ‘Hoppers will go into the game with confidence after their 38-43 win at Tynedale, always a tricky place to come away with a full 5 points. Six tries, all from their backline, illustrated their strike power.
Fylde were rather like a curate’s egg, a mixture of good and less good, in their opening home game of the season against a very able Sheffield Tigers squad. A disappointing 1st half gave way to a much improved 2nd period, an exciting recovery and a fair 26-all draw at the final whistle. They will be looking for a more consistent showing on Saturday.
‘Hoppers have had a roller-coaster few seasons, promotion to N2N, relegation to North Premier & then promotion back to N2N. They had rather a struggle last season back at level 4 but eventually finished in 11th place.
Coaching arrangements have changed, with the vastly experienced Director of Rugby Alex Keay overseeing a number of coaches.
‘Hoppers have recruited a number of new players for their 2023-24 campaign. A few of them made their National League debut at Tynedale. These included hooker Jack Wilkinson, scrum-half Niall Povall and centre/wing Jack Lightowler. Other newcomers to the squad include former Garstang fly-half Kieran Davies, flanker Rob Willets (Rossendale) and Sam Townsley, ex-Tarleton & Myerscough College.
Influential playmaker and goal kicker is fly-half Will Hunt and amongst the dangerous backs are fullback/wing Jacob Browne, centres Ed Keohane & Jake Maher, and wing Tyler Spence.
Important members of their pack include former Fylde M-J and Hawks prop/hooker Oli Trippier, locks Ally Murray and Luke Proctor, and no 8 Scott Richardson.
