Pendle Phoenix ‘back to basics’ in pre-season training

Coach Graham Ratcliffe has set the squad a punishing training regime ahead of their coming season in Lancashire North 2.

Training has been three times a week, with specialist sessions every Wednesday taken by Mark Nelson, the Fylde coach, and Alex Loney the Lancashire captain.

Pendle have also enlisted Brian Foley, the Wigan coach, to strengthen the Phoenix defence.

The Pendle squad have gone back to basics, but at a much faster pace, due to the high fitness levels that the players have had to achieve.

Last weekend the squad travelled to Lincolnshire for a squad-building exercise, and there they played a game against Bourne RFC.

This allowed the coaching team to try out players in different positions before next week’s cup game against Garstang.

The tough schedule will hopefully put the side in good stead for the coming season.

The games against Clitheroe and Bourne allowed the Phoenix to fine tune some of their play.

Pendle ran out 60-0 winners against Clitheroe and also won 24-10 against Bourne.

Pendle have recruited well, with Dave Morris and Luke Macnamee, and Jan Askew returning from Western Australia, and they are also in discussion with a county prop who they are hoping to sign in the next two weeks.

Overall things are looking bright and healthy at Hodge House for the coming season.

The players and staff would like to wish James Finucane a speedy recovery after he broke his leg in the Bourne game.

Anyone wishing to play rugby can come along to training on Mondays or Thursdays at Hodge House, 6-45 p.m. start.