10:17am Thursday 19th August 2010
South African hooker Matt Speres has been named as Skipton’s new captain.
The 22-year-old had a successful first season at Sandylands and takes over from Jonathan Richards as Skipton bid to bounce back after their relegation from Yorkshire One.
Speres said: “I am very honoured to have been given the captaincy. Last season was very disappointing for the players as well as the club but that’s behind us now.
“The players are working extremely hard during training to ensure that Skipton move straight back up to Yorkshire 1 where we belong.
“I am also very glad to have Jonathan Richards staying on as my vice captain and together I hope we can lead the team to success.”
The mood in the camp is good and Speres added: “Hopes are high at the club that we can bounce back after last season’s disappointment. “We have had good numbers at training each week and coach Colin Stephens has been putting us through our paces.”
Matthew Boatwright has been appointed as second team captain with a view to providing a springboard into first team rugby for the young players coming through the ranks. John Firth takes over the running of the third team.
Speres was among the try scorers as Skipton began their pre-season preparations with an emphatic 89-5 win in the Moya Childs trophy match at Halifax.
Richards ran in hat-trick of tries and there were further touchdowns by Luty (2), Ackers-Johnson (2), Martin Murray (2), Nicholson, Wilson, Sheehan and Michael Murray.
Next up is a tough trip on Saturday to Fylde of National League 2 who have recruited former England coach Brian Ashton and World Cup winner Jason Robinson. Further friendlies have been arranged against the RAF Eagles (home on Thursday, August 26) and at Keighley (Sunday, August 29). Skipton begin their league campaign on Saturday, September 4 away to Hullensians.
Any players wanting to attend training at Sandylands on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.45pm, should contact Matt Speres on 07843 769189 or Matthew Boatwright on 07859 030342.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/trade_directory/