In recent seasons Fylde have had pre-season games with Blackburn RUFC. Over these years various players have moved between the two clubs and the relationships have been close at a personal level. Despite Fylde being in a league higher, the games have been competitive and proved useful in preparing both for the league seasons ahead.
This was particularly so last August at the Woodlands when Fylde edged home by 17-10. So the clubs will be looking for similar competition at Ramsgreave Drive (Blackburn, BB1 8NB. 01254 247669) on Saturday (23rd Aug) for the latest chapter in this series.
Blackburn compete in Regional One (North West) and in recent seasons have been in with a promotion shout which would elevate them as champions to National Two (North), the route that Rossendale has travelled to get to N2(N). In successive seasons Blackburn finished 3rd, 2nd & 3rd in the division. Last season was different and they finished in 8th place in the league. They are an ambitious club and will be keen to get back to promotion chasing form once again in this coming campaign.
Saturday should be another tough test for Fylde as they try to build on the progress demonstrated against Lymm last Saturday at the Woodlands. The mix of newcomers and locally produced young players coming through the ranks worked out pretty effective that day alongside the core of the squad who are both experienced and talented at National Two level.
The extended Fylde squad, with a very strong representation of young players who have come through the Colts & Hawks routes is below. They would appreciate a good turnout of Fylde supporters present to cheer them on!
