A COMBINED Wilmslow Vikings and development team beat Sale 15-7 as the Wolves continued their build-up to the league season.
It is new coach Giles Heagerty’s intention to lose the 2nd and 3rd XV titles for these teams, to promote his philosophy of inclusion and reduce the divide between his 1st XV squad and other club players, who have every opportunity of stepping up.
Injury and availability play a major part every season at a club the size of Wilmslow and Heagerty is well aware that he may have to draw on many more players than those on his current 1xt XV list.
It was a good result at Heywood Road, following the senior side’s disappointing display at Bowdon. The points came from a try by Ed Dalton and a try, penalty and conversion by Ian Roberts.
Said Heagerty: “The squad was a blend of youth and experience which we aim to have as a continuing theme throughout the season.
“Early exchanges showed a clear fitness advantage over the hosts and a physical edge to the play demonstrating the determination within the club this season. It was good to see the Vikings pack, particularly the front row, working well together in set piece and at the tackle area.
“I was pleased with the performance of Charlie Mulchrone at 9, given it was his first outing this season, and also with Rob Cowley’s contribution. Mark Hetherington (Vikings Captain) continues to impress and time spent with the 1st XV has done him the world of good. Ed Dalton and Joel Mastteson are also two players who continue to improve.
“What impressed me most was the introduction of five senior colts players for the second half (most playing out of position). They didn’t look out of place in the slightest. There is no doubt that if these players continue to be involved then the future of the club looks bright.
“Focusing on this season for a moment I am confident that all three teams have an opportunity to do something really special.
“We have a strength in depth this season and this can only generate positive pressure for places throughout the squad. Going on last night’s performance there are a number of players who will be playing up a level before too long.”
Now all eyes turn to September 5th and the opening match of the 2009/10 season, which will mark 125 years of the club’s existence in Wilmslow.
Our first game is against Altrincham Kersal at Stelfox Avenue, and there is just as much anticipation for the following week’s game against Lymm, when the club will christen its new-look facilities (at 1st XV level) at Pownall Park.
Visitors will notice immediately the striking new cladding for the old hall entrance and inside the finishing touches are being applied to what will certainly be one of Wilmslow’s premier entertainment suites.
Back on the field, coach Heagerty and new 1st XV skipper Mike Clifford can’t wait to get going, now the long, long build-up to the season is almost over.
Said Mike: “I think it would be an understatement for me to say I’m excited about the new season.
“The club is moving forward both on and off the field, with all three teams looking stronger than they have for years and club house developments coming on at a pace
“I am very proud to be given the opportunity of Club Captain during this exciting time, in what is the club’s 125th Anniversary Year.
“We have been training hard for a month now and it’s going really well. The numbers have been good and the commitment shown has been impressive.
“Giles’ training has worked us hard, very hard at times and we are definitely starting to see the improvement. The way have been training is the way we want to play, so the guys can really throw themselves into the sessions and feel the benefit each time. There have been a number of new players down, our relationship with Man Met University is strengthening and our reputation is increasing as a top quality club in the area, we are attracting some exciting talent that I’m sure will feature in the 1st team come the start of the season.”