Fylde Hawks welcome Preston Grasshoppers 2nds to the Woodlands on Friday evening (9th October) for an attractive NOWIRUL Premiership League game under floodlights (ko 19.30).
The Hawks’ season started last Saturday when, in a tough and feisty game, they overcame Wirral 2nds by 35-33. Hoppers 2nds have played two games, one a 35-33 win at home against Stockport 2nds, the other also at home but a 33-35 defeat by Chester 2nds.
Fylde’s problems of a long injury list and missing experienced 1st XV regulars are well known. But those difficulties are providing unexpected opportunities for young players to show their talents and competitive abilities at National League level.
Whilst Cameron Railton is the Hawks Player Coach, the Hawks Manager is Ben Curran and he has described the development process that he sees with his squad:
“I think the most encouraging aspect of the Hawks this season is the emergence of a genuinely young squad, with a significant number of players aged 18–21.
“We’ve brought through a good number of lads from the last two seasons of Fylde Senior Colts, alongside other young players who have joined us from neighbouring clubs. There’s a good mix of emerging talent and more experienced senior players, which is important in helping the younger lads make that transition into open-age rugby.
“The injury situation across the 1st XV and Hawks has certainly presented some challenges, but it’s also created opportunities. A number of younger players have been given the chance to step up, both into the Hawks and, in some cases, the 1st XV, perhaps earlier than we might originally have anticipated.
“From a development perspective, that’s really encouraging. The step up from Colts rugby to senior rugby is significant, particularly in terms of physicality, pace and decision-making. The only way these lads are going to develop is by getting meaningful game time and being exposed to that environment.
“Cam has brought tremendous enthusiasm and energy to the player-coach role, and we’re keen to build a squad where younger players can develop alongside established senior players, rather than simply viewing the Hawks as a team that changes from week to week depending on 1st XV availability.
“We’re still very much a developing group, and there will inevitably be some ups and downs, but there’s plenty of potential within the squad. For me, the important thing is that we’re creating a pathway for young players to establish themselves in senior rugby, with the ambition that some will progress into the 1st XV in due course.
“Ultimately, that’s what a strong 2nd XV should be doing — developing players whilst remaining competitive in its own right.”
Cam Railton has also expressed his views on the squad and the game against ‘Hoppers:
“There’s a good buzz around the town as well as within the club for Friday’s fixture against Hoppers. Friday night lights don’t come much bigger than the derby. The team has built strongly since the start of preseason and we saw this come to fruition last week against Wirral in a tough, hard fought win, taking it in the last ten minutes. Hopefully we give everyone a good show, as is our style of Run-it Fylde.
“The morale in camp is quite high, with lads hoping to right the wrongs of the preseason fixture v Hoppers – rugby was the winner that day. The lads are excited. Our energy is high and everyone is determined to show what we can do.
“It’s great to see so many young players coming through the ranks of the club. For me being one of the oldest players on the team sheet at twenty seven is a humbling experience but a welcome one when you see the talent and the drive coming through the Colts into the men’s game.
“We’re in for a hard fought battle and the win will be decided in the small margins of errors and executions but that’s why we love this game.
“It’s a great chance for people to see what the club is all about and how a healthy rivalry can make for great cinema on the pitch and off it. Everyone involved will leave it all out there, be it eighteen years old with one appearance, or thirty three with many. That’s the beauty of the derby.
“Nervous? So to speak.
“Excited? Definitely.
“Get yourselves down to support the lads, have a drink, and misunderstand the rules as much as we do.”
The provisional Fylde squad is:
