Fylde Rugby Club look forward to a fine occasion on Saturday (13th August) when Premiership heavyweights Sale Sharks visit the Woodlands for a pre-season game (ko 14.00). It will be the first time the Sharks have played at the Woodlands for more than a decade and Fylde expect the toughest challenge.
The Sharks are expected to include some of their big names as well some very promising younger players in their matchday squad. It may also turn out to be the first chance for the Shark's newly appointed management duo, Executive Director of Sport Steve Diamond and Head Coach Tony Hanks, to look at combination of players in competitive action.
All of Fylde's newcomers - Ed Binham, Chris Briers, Gavin Cartmel, Steve Depledge, Simon Griffiths, Tom Halsall, Alex Loney, Gareth Rawlings, Evan Stewart, Chris Tod, plus a returning Dan Beaumont - are expected to feature at some stage in the game which will be a conventional contest of 40 minutes each way.
The provisional, extended Fylde squad, missing four or so players who are on holiday or otherwise unavailable, will be:
BACKS
Richard Kenyon, Oliver Brennand, Mike Waywell, Chris Briers, Stephen Briers, Martin Wallwork, Steve Depledge, Jack Ward, Chris Tod, Ed Binham, Tom Halsall, Gavin Cartmel.
FORWARDS
Peter Altham, Alistair Livesey, Tom Lavelle, Alex Loney, Simon Griffiths, Sam Beaumont, Josh Beaumont, Dan Beaumont, Paul Arnold, John Wells, Gareth Rawlings, Steve McGinnis, Evan Stewart, Mark Stephenson, Cameron Thompson, Grant Ferguson.
Fylde Head Coach Mark Nelson said: "This will be a real test against a top flight Premiership Squad. It will provide us with real quality opposition that will push us very hard. We are looking at the match as a key part of our build up towards the season and, with the opening game against Jersey only two weeks away, the time is right to get a really big game under our belts.
"It is also excellent for the Club and rugby public within the area that a top class outfit are playing Fylde at the Woodlands. I am sure that there will be some Premiership stars in the making on display and that it will provide a great opportunity for fans to see how our new squad is shaping up. We have some really exciting players who have a fine opportunity to put down a marker for the season. Sale will be using the game as a team building exercise and we are delighted that their full squad will be coming up to Fylde for the afternoon."
It will be an 'all pay' game - £5 adults, £3 senior citizens, accompanied U'16s free entry.
Photo: Newcomers and Lancashire County colleagues Gareth Rawlings (left) and right Alex Loney (right) will make their competitive débuts for Fylde against the Sharks.
