Town team prepare to take on professionals

The Rochdale Town Team is relishing the prospect of lining up on the same field as the professionals when the best of the amateurs take on Rochdale Hornets on Wednesday 29 December (7.30 KO, Castleton Sports Centre).

David Ramsbottom, Hornets assistant coach and Town Team Head coach commented: “The Town Teams lads aren’t here just to make up the numbers. They are bang up for it. This is their chance to really have a go at the Hornets and make a name for themselves.

“We have worked them hard in the gym last week and have a couple more sessions planned before the big game. The Town Team lads are in the middle of their season, so should be hitting there peak.

“If you look at Mayfield’s performances in the Conference and North West Counties leagues, coupled with the Cobras and Hopwood Hall flying high, we seem to have some in-form players to pick from. Add to the mix some of the exciting lads from Whitworth and Littleborough and I am confident the lads will do themselves proud.”

Mark Wynn, Hornets Chairman commented: “Everyone at Hornets is excited about the game and again it shows the strides the game is making in the town.

“It is worth looking back just to see the progress that has been made. Just two years ago this game couldn't have taken place, the old Hornets were in turmoil and about to enter administration and the Rochdale A.R.L. stagnated with very little activity.

“Two years on and the picture is totally different.

“With the new Hornets making great strides and once again reneging with the town and The Rochdale A.R.L. having an amazing renaissance, Rugby League in Rochdale is currently experiencing its most exciting era in a generation.”

The Game will take place on Wednesday 29 December, 7.30 KO at Castleton Sports Centre, Home of Rochdale Mayfield (£5 Adults, £1 Kids). Parking is available at Castleton Community Centre.

Town Team to be selected from:

• Daniel Moran - Hopwood Hall College
• Jack Francis - Hopwood Hall College
• Setgreki Tala - Hopwood Hall College
• Ben Duffy - Hornets u18s
• Tom Andrews - Hornets u18s
• Adam Browne - Littleborough
• Dominic Kershaw - Littleborough
• Gareth Sharrocks - Littleborough
• Gary Keegan -Littleborough
• James Taylor - Littleborough
• Adam Butterworth - Rochdale Cobras
• Alex West - Rochdale Cobras
• Chris McCormack - Rochdale Cobras
• Jonathan Donnelly - Rochdale Cobras
• Jovilish Qaniuci - Rochdale Cobras
• Rob Clegg - Rochdale Cobras
• Ryan Tetley - Rochdale Cobras
• Aiden Gleeson - Rochdale Mayfield
• Andy Lee - Rochdale Mayfield
• Andy Taylor - Rochdale Mayfield
• Ben Komai Naulumatua - Rochdale Mayfield
• Benn Coombes - Rochdale Mayfield
• Carl Abraham - Rochdale Mayfield
• Chris Brett - Rochdale Mayfield
• Ian Sampson - Rochdale Mayfield
• John Foy - Rochdale Mayfield
• Kristian Duffy - Rochdale Mayfield
• Mark Biggins - Rochdale Mayfield
• Matthew Moore -Rochdale Mayfield
• Nick Todd - Rochdale Mayfield
• Paul Hancock - Rochdale Mayfield
• Rob Kershaw - Rochdale Mayfield
• Sean Snape - Rochdale Mayfield
• Simon Moore - Rochdale Mayfield
• Stefan Howard - Rochdale Mayfield
• Todd O.Brien - Rochdale Mayfield
• Michael Robinson - Whitworth Spartans
• Stephen Holton - Whitworth Spartans