The postponement of the game versus Tynedale means that ‘The Laiker’, our official programme, that was prepared for the match will now not see the light of day. Here is he second of the articles.
Around Lockwood Park v Tynedale 30/10/21
POST COVID RUGBY RECOVERY….
The Covid pandemic has caused massive dislocation throughout the country. Sports clubs have not escaped the problems and HRUFC is no exception. Players have drifted away during the club closure which has created difficulties for all our teams but our second team, the Falcons, has been the main casualty at the start of this season.
The Huddersfield Falcons, in a way, maybe considered the most important team in the club. This is because it is the vital link between junior and Academy and senior rugby. It is the point on the pathway that enables young players to progress and hopefully make the step up to first-team rugby and achieve their full potential.
The makeup of the Falcons has traditionally included first-team players towards the end of their playing careers, ex-Academy players at the start of theirs and senior squad and other accomplished senior players. We have also enjoyed a good, mutually beneficial, relationship with the Huddersfield University Rugby Club, with their players being able to access training down here and get a game with the Falcons on a Saturday afternoon.
HRUFC is putting medium-term plans into place to sort out the issue but in the immediate short term the club is holding a ‘Get Back Into Rugby’ afternoon next Saturday, 6th November. A game will be held on the main pitch between our A-Team and a combined XV kicking off at 12 noon. Invitations have been issued to university players and former Falcons; our ex-Academy players will be involved as well as some of our First XV.
SPECTATORS TO THE GAME ARE OF COURSE INVITED. IT WILL CERTAINLY BE A CASE OF THE MORE THE MERRIER THE DAY WILL BE.
Afterwards, the players will be enjoying food in the bar and no doubt A-Team captain, George Hinchliff, will be organising some traditional post-match rugby fun. The England v Tonga match, which kicks off at 3.15pm, the game is also being shown in our bars for players and spectators to enjoy.
HRUFC’s Chair of Rugby Paul Sharrock says, ‘It has been a difficult pre-season, but we are committed to maintaining a club structure that involves three senior sides and a successful Academy. We have a thriving Age grade which feeds into our Academy, which is at the apex of our youth section. Our resolve to cement the pathway between youth rugby and senior rugby and provide rugby opportunities for all players is as strong as ever.’
So come along and support the lads and enjoy an afternoon of great club rugby!