Rochdale Hornets: History making power of co-operation

Mayor Peter Rush and Mayoress Monica Rush at the Rochdale Hornets Co-operative Market at Spotland Stadium

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History was made today when Rochdale Hornets took on the Hemel Stags - both clubs are owned and run by their respective supporters trusts, making today's game the first ever between two co-operatives.

Rochdale is the home of the co-operative movement and to celebrate Hornets slashed the admission price to only £2, a move that proved a resounding success as over 800 went through the turnstiles at Spotland Stadium, almost triple Hornets' usual gate.

The club organised a full day of family fun including a 'Co-operative Market', with stalls and retailers exhibiting their wares, face-painting and a bouncy castle.

Hornets and Hemel under 20s played a curtain raiser before the Kingstone Press Championship One game.

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Peter Rush attended the day. Mayor Rush is a former Hornets player and long serving member of the Hornets board of directors. Speaking to Rochdale Online during his visit he said: "It is brilliant to see the Hornets forecourt busy with people. The day is proving to be a real success and credit must go to the board for organising such a magnificent day."

Mayor Rush added that he was looking forward to the main attraction of the day, in which his beloved Hornets outclassed Hemel Stags.

MP for Rochdale, Simon Danczuk also attended, he said: "A huge thank you to the 809 people attending today's game. The power of co-operation. Pleased to be one of them."

A winning day was completed by Hornets' mascot, Hercules, who won the half-time 'race of the mascots' by some margin!