Derby day beckons for under 20s

Jack Ashworth, Rochdale Hornets u20s

Rochdale Hornets U20s are at home this weekend against neighbours Oldham Roughyeds.

Matt Calland's troops are in confident mood despite suffering a 42-12 defeat at the hands of Halifax in there season opener at Heath RUFC.

It took 20 minutes for the deadlock to be broken at Heath, as the young Hornets team stood up to the much bigger Halifax pack.

The try sparked fax into life and a series of quick play the balls allowed fax in for the second.

Hornets could have pulled it back to one score difference at half time as impressive Lewis Sheridan danced to the line, only to be stopped short.

Sheridan wasn't to be stopped in the second half, as he responded to an early Halifax try by barging his way over for a try, Will Chadwick converting.

Hornet's second try came from scrum half Josh Bradbury, as he dummied his way to the line, again Chadwick converting, leaving the deficit at 24-12.

With six players playing there second fixture of the day after earlier representing Hopwood Hall College, fatigue started to set in and the bigger 'Fax team ran in tries to leave the final score 42-12.

Matt Calland, Head of Youth, commented: "In essence we are an under 19s team playing up a year group, so we are always going to be the smaller team, even with the likes of Mike Ratu and Mark Goodman playing for us.

"It's not about the results this season, it how the individuals play and today some of the lads really shone."

Calland is hoping to be boosted by the inclusion of some of the first team squad for Saturday's game, as both team are allowed a quota of 'over age' players.

He will, however, be without stand out player Jack Ashworth, who is selected in the St Helens U19 squad for this weekend.

Jack is a quality player who was with Warrington at U13 but suffered an illness which led to him taking a break from the game.

He came back with the Rochdale Service Area at under 15s and signed for Littleborough ARLFC before moving to open age at Rochdale Cobras, and at the same time was moved up to the North West Regional Player Development centre at under 16s. He progressed to Hopwood Hall College Rugby League Academy and to the National Conference League with Mayfield, before signing at Saints this year and being given special dispensation to play for Hornets U20s.

Calland added: "Jack's attitude has been fantastic and he has really impressed Saints since going over there earlier this year. I'm sure he will do well."

Rochdale Hornets v Oldham Roughyeds, 12 noon Kick Off, Mayfield ARLFC, £3 entry.