Talismanic Spalding RFC skipper Harry Sharman admits that he and his team-mates are itching to get back onto the pitch ahead of Thursday’s one and only pre-season fixture.
Town make the short trip to rivals Peterborough RFC (7.30pm) as they bid to get valuable game time in ahead of their Midlands One East opener at home to Belgrave on September 6.
Having been back on the training field for some time now, Sharman and his side – who were promoted via the play-offs last term – are approaching the stage when they really need games.
But the skipper, who leads Town for a record sixth season on the spin, told The Voice that they’ve been frustrated by other local sides refusing to play friendly games against them due to their elevated league status.
“Obviously we’re all looking forward to getting back on the pitch,” said Sharman, who was first appointed captain back in 2009. “It’ll be good to see where we are at in terms of fitness and sharpness.
“Sadly, this will be our one and only pre-season game.
“It’s a bit disappointing that other local sides haven’t wanted to play us – none of them were interested.
“Luckily, we’ve been training hard and have a similar squad to last year, so we’ve not got too many players to bed in to the team.
“Still, as we’re playing only one pre-season game it’ll be difficult to assess things.
“We’ll have to field a strong side, but that’s not a bad thing.”
Sharman is supported by by Ryan Chappell as vice skipper this year, while Richard Mardling has joined the coaching team as a direct replacement for the departing Niall Thomson.
Spalding’s 2nd team will again be led by Richard Cooke with support from Jacob Hudson, while the thirds are skippered by Pete Smith.
Meanwhile, senior training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings will be moving to the club’s facilities at Tyrrells Yard, Low Fulney, in the near future.
- Spalding RFC’s ladies’ team are back in training once again. They get together on Wednesday nights from 7-8.30pm at the Memorial Field.
All women aged 17 and above are welcome to try out with the team, who are not playing league games this season. No previous experience is required.
