Penrith prepare for their most challenging season ever
Last updated at 19:13, Friday, 30 July 2010
As Penrith prepare for the new campaign, senior vice president Geoff Matthews has gone on record as saying the club faces the most challenging season in its history.
After a successful first outing in the National League, the first 15 are looking to build on their third place finish.
The Development side had a mixed season and now face a tough task in the Millar Homes League facing some quality sides, many of them junior teams of big clubs like Preston Grasshoppers, Fylde, Vale of Lune and the like.
It’s the highest standard they will have played at week in and week out.
The Vagabonds (3rds) also have a tough season ahead after being promoted and now have to play clubs’ first and second teams, so they will be looking to up their game once again.
To this end the club have secured the services of coach Stuart Connell for a third season to bring on the senior side and quite a number of fringe squad players.
It is important all senior players are involved and on board as all sides will be playing rugby of an unprecedented quality and at a greater level than ever before.
To this end much work has being going on behind the scenes and the club hope shortly to announce a major sponsorship deal to assist the Development and Vagabond squads.
There will only be a junior colts side (U17) this season so it’s hoped the senior teams will be bolstered by an influx of youngsters getting their first taste of senior rugby.
New captain Mike Raine has been pleased with the turnout for pre-season training, as all last year’s squad have been down along with a few new faces.
After such a successful season at a higher level last year it was inevitable other clubs would be approaching certain players but everyone is on board for the new campaign which after two trial games starts with an away trip to Darlington Mowden Park on September 4.
First published at 14:15, Friday, 30 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
