Rugby League Town Team organise for battle

Rochdale Town Team in there last outing against Fiji UK at Spotland

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The Rochdale and District Rugby League Town Team will again draw on the best talent from the amateur game across Rochdale, Bury and Bolton to form a team to play Rochdale Hornets in the now traditional pre-season friendly.

Hornets hold the bragging rights up to now, running out 16-12 winners in the inaugral game and 26-0 winners last time out. Both games have captured the imagination of the town and have been great spectacles, as the 'amateurs' get fired up and look to prove themselves on a bigger stage against the 'professionals'.

The Rochdale and District ARL have pulled together a three strong coaching team, which sees the return of Littleborough ARLFC's Adam Browne as assistant coach, while Ireland Rugby League coach and the the District's 2012 Coach of the Year Ged Corcoran takes the helm as head coach. Rochdale Mayfield's Rob Kershaw completes the team as senior player. Various other coaches are invited along to help out where appropriate, as Corcoran aims to unite players drawn from seven amateur clubs, Hopwood Hall College and Bolton University.

Ged commented: "We have some really good players in the district and I plan to really work with them on there core skills and set those that have the ability on the path to the professional game. Although we are all amateurs and many have club commitment in Penine League and North West Counties, we will train well and prepare as professionally as possible."

Ian Talbot, Rochdale Hornets head coach, commented: "When I first took the reins many of the coaching staff and players mentioned the game and it was a concept I didn't give a second thought to adopting.

"I have a large squad training at the moment, and our pre-season matches will be a key part in helping the coaching team decide who we take forward into the 2013 season.

"I'm sure the community game players will give us a stern test, and that is just what we want."

The Town Team's preperation starts on Friday evening, as the coaching team have invited all interested players to a meeting at Spotland Stadium, 6.30pm on Friday 14 December to discuss the arrangements going forward. All previous representatives plus anyone else (coaches and players) who wish to be involved are asked to attend.

Training will take place on Sundays, rotated around venues, starting this Sunday 16 December. Please get in touch with Ged Corcoran on the 07967 131 068 or  ged.corcoran@rli.ie if you have any queries.

The Rochdale Hornets Vs Rochdale and District Town Team will take place on Sunday 13 January.