Fylde make the 60 miles trip to Grassington (more accurately, Threshfield) to take on Wharfedale on Saturday (ko 14.00) looking to maintain their unbeaten sequence this season. Always the favourite away game of the campaign for many Fylde followers, it’s hoped that the normal significant travelling support will also make the journey. Facing a buoyant ‘Dale squad, this will be the toughest contest so far.
They name an unchanged starting line-up for the trip. Strong bench with return of former Greens prop Pete Altham & Adam Lewis on bench.
When Fylde visited Threshfield in September 2019, the Wharfedale match programme set the close relationship between the two clubs in affectionate and gracious perspective. “Although we have built close bonds with a number of clubs over the years, no fixture is more eagerly anticipated than the visit of Fylde. The special tang of a Roses rivalry is always in the air when Fylde’s team and travelling support arrive, and in recent years this particular chemistry has produced several classic matches.”
Former Fylde Head Coach Warren Spragg said their clashes with Wharfedale have an edge other rivalries can’t match. “There’s something about Fylde v Wharfedale games that sets them apart and go beyond even the more recognised local derbies against Preston Grasshoppers or Sedgley Park. The Greens are vocal on the touchline, they have passionate supporters and the coaches really care about the club. The players never give up. You might think that you’re clearly ahead but often you’re not.”
The context of Saturday’s game is especially notable. Wharfedale are enjoying their Centenary season and Fylde send their collective congratulations to everyone at the Greens via its new Chairman John Sykes. Poignantly, a huge presence for many decades at Threshfield, Michael Harrison (or ‘Clarty’ as everyone knew him) died this week. He was a very distinguished former player, coach, Director of Rugby and a fierce advocate of Yorkshire and Northern rugby, and represented the very best of Wharfedale and its history. We send our sincere commiserations to Michael’s family and friends.
On the field, it’s been a positive opening of the season for the Greens with exciting away wins at newcomers Lymm on the opening day (21-22) and at Tynedale last Saturday (22-24). In between at Threshfield they came up against Rotherham Titan’s behemoth pack and, despite battling hard, went down 19-34.
‘Dale enjoyed a glorious 20 season run in National One until their relegation in April 2016. They initially found it rather difficult dropping down to National Two (North), finishing 10th in 2016-7 and 13th just above the relegation zone in 2017-18, 9th in both 2018-19 and 2019-20, 12th in 2021-22 & 8th last season.
The first ever game between the clubs was in the 1995-6 season, just as the game was going professional. Since then, Fylde have won 22 of the matches, Wharfedale 6 and one has been drawn. A number of these games have been extremely tight with just a few points separating them. A couple of exceptions were the first ever game when Fylde triumphed by 54-18 in December 1995 and in September 2000 when a Fylde squad were overrun by a Wharfedale team inspired by England international flyhalf David Pears and were humiliated 72-10 at Threshfield.
In the summer of 2022, ‘Dale announced the appointment of Simon Verbickas as Director of Rugby. As a highly influential former RFU Community Coach and player coach with various clubs in the Northwest, and as a former coach of Caldy and Chester, Verbickas was responsible for the progress and development of these clubs from regional to National Rugby League level status.
‘Dale moved to strengthen their squad in the summer with the return of tighthead prop Jake Armstrong who has been appointed as Player/Forwards Coach. Armstrong has had long experience at Wharfedale (2013-15), Otley, Leeds Tykes, Doncaster Knights, Jersey, Bristol Bears & Doncaster Knights ie lots of Premiership and Championship opportunities.
Also strengthening the hooker cover is Robbie Collinson (ex-Kendal), a returning Ben Wright and Alfie Weston. Other newcomers include the athletic Bradford Salem second row player Finn Southcott and the return of Ben Markey and Jack Pinder in the back row. Markey returns after playing for Manley Marlins (Australia) and Northumbria University.
The Greens’ pack is traditionally strong and the Fylde forwards will have to face difficult challenges in the tight and loose exchanges. There are some familiar faces who may be involved on Saturday including prop George Altham, brother of Fylde’s Peter, fellow young prop Sam Dickinson, lock Elliot Stockton, back five stalwart George Hedgley. In the forward roster the indefatigable veteran no 8, the Club’s former Director of Rugby and Yorkshire skipper, Rob Baldwin continues to star.
Amongst the backs, fullback Ryan Hodgson, centre/wing team mates Oliver Cicognini, Josh Prell and Oscar Canny can be constant dangers as they have proved against Fylde in previous seasons. Halfbacks include fly-half Max Bell and Louis Verity, and no 9 Sam Gaudie.