Gearing up for campaign

HINCKLEY RFC’s preparations for life in National League 2 North are well underway.

The Leicester Road side headed to National League 2 South side Clifton for their first pre-season match.

Callum Rowe, Glenn Murray, Scott Hamilton and Andy Lally all made their first team debuts during a 26-10 defeat.

An even first half ended 7-7 with Clifton taking the lead before number eight Huw Marsden crossed for Hinckley.

The home side dominated the second half, however, scoring two tries late on.

Pre-season continues this Saturday away at Syston, before playing Cinderford at home on August 27.

League fixtures have now been announced with a trip to Yorkshire to face Harrogate on Saturday September 3 first up.

The first home fixture will see Sale FC visit Leicester Road on Saturday September 10.

Hinckley will play local rivals South Leicester at home on November 12 and Leicester Lions on December 10.

There have been 13 new additions to the squad with former All-Black Scott Hamilton, David Peck and Phil Llewellyn joining the coaching staff.

Four players have also been promoted from the Colts - Dom Ames, Rowan Clowes, Jordan Roberts and Callum Rowe.

Backrow Michael Morris has joined from Old Coventrians RFC while Connor Mitchell has moved to Leicestershire following his spell at Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield RUFC.

Glen Murray, Andy Lally, Dave Weston, Joe Sagoe, Tyler Moseley, George Hunt Pain and Mikyle Walcott have also joined.