The Fylde RFC and University of Central Lancashire link continues to develop this season, with Peter Altham & Alan Holmes coaching both the Men’s and Women’s teams. As a result of these activities players continue to make the journey up the road to represent Fylde RFC - nine players within the various men’s teams and two in the women’s team.

In addition to the coaching of teams, the link continues to grow with Greg Littler, the Fylde Physio, linking with the University to develop young sports therapists and physiotherapists. This has added great value to the injury prevention and rehabilitation process set up by Greg. As well as this a number of students have been running media projects on the club, which all adds to enhancing the profile of the club in the university and local area. Continuing on the academic front, Peter Altham ran sessions for groups of 25 Sport Science students to give them a basic understanding of rugby union and the coaching process, helping them to develop their coaching styles.

Both teams have started the season with some success this season. The girl’s first match was away at Liverpool Hope which they narrowly lost 19-17. The next game was at home to Manchester Metropolitan with a great performance leading to a comfortable 20-7 win. There was a break from league duty and on to the cup with a tie against Liverpool Hope at home. UCLan got due revenge on the Liverpool side who sit top of the league with an outstanding 22-7 win. The women’s team currently sit 3rd in the league with games in hand and are looking forward to the next round of games.

The Men’s 1st team have set the standard that they want to win the league this season. To kick off their season at home they showed why they are the contenders to win the league as they easily beat Liverpool University 2nds by 53-0. And add to that include a win over MMU Cheshire, 49-21 away.

Their third match proved to be more of a test as Liverpool John Moores gave it their all but UCLan managed to win 23-0 followed be a win over Liverpool Uni 3rds 66-15.

The big game between the two rivals for the top spot saw UCLan travel to Manchester Uni 2nds. UCLan failed to convert opportunities and lost 18-15. In the cup, UCLan played away against Bangor University winning 49-0. The men’s 1XV is currently sitting in 2nd position in the league and has only lost one game this season

This success is mirrored in the 2nd team as they are unbeaten this season. They have had victories over Salford University 26-0, the University of Cumbria 35-5 and Chester 2nds 51-3. They are currently sitting in 2nd the table on points difference with games in hand.

Success in the UCLan shirt has transferred to representative honours, with Danielle Nash and Derren Whalley representing Lancashire Women’s. Paddy James, Brad Tuff, Jason Ward and Andrew Ferguson have been selected for Lancashire Students and Alex Roebuck, Josh Purnell, Sam Marsh and Sean Taylor selected for the Lancashire U'20s squad.

 

Peter Altham & Alan Hurst.