SUNDAY'S COMING!
When you look at Chorley's stats for last season, two things immediately catch the eye. Firstly, 56 players turned out for the Lynx last season - 13 of them only playing one game. Secondly, Hornets inflicted their heaviest home defeat (66-10).
Both of these are indicative of the sort of season that Chorley had - one of consolidation, building and establishment following a period of uncertainty. This season, according to club manager Dennis Ramsdale, things are going to be different. Interviewed in the League Express a couple of weeks ago his mood was upbeat and positive, "Everybody in the club from the directors to the kitman is really enthusiastic abut taking this club forward," he said. "it will be that type of attitude and focus that will help us achieve our aims and objectives."
But the main thrust behind Chorley's progress will be provided by the influx of good quality, experienced players who will bolster and support their crop of up and coming players.
"The players who have come into the squad have all added to our strength," said Ramsdale - and he's right. Michael Watts, Safraz Patel and Martin Roden from Leigh join ex Vikings Liam Jones, Eddie Kilgannon, Steve Argent and Lee Birdseye (who played with the Lynx on loan for part of last term).
But the single biggest impact will come from battle hardened warhorse Tim Street, coaxed out of retirement for one last blast. With Street leading the line, Chorley will be nothing if not durable. Street's uncanny knack for getting himself into trouble has overshadowed his undoubted ability throughout his career. He's more mobile than you think he is and he has excellent hands - skills that the Lynx will take full advantage of. Typically, he'll miss Sunday's game after being dismissed in his last game for Leigh. An ignominious farewell to the club he served so well.
As for Hornets, Hally's got quality permutations coming out of his ears. It'l be interesting to see how our new signings fit into what was already a pretty useful gameplan. The influx of top quality forwards will bolster the front line no end and, given that the likes of Garty and James Bunyan can switch between pack and backs, Hally will have the flexibility that we lacked at times last season.
Hornets will start without Danny Sculthorpe - emulating his brother by playing in a successful national side - but with cover coming from Matt Long, Andy Ireland, Joe Berry and - possibly - Big Kel Skerret, we should be OK in the prop department. Elsewhere, it'll be much as we were last season, with Damian Ball probably slotting in at 13.