While Helm takes the Tinker Cup
must not take our foot off the gas,” he said.
“National Two North is an excellent competition with any team capable of beating any other on their day. The grind of 30 league games is both exhilarating and exhausting and to me it’s what makes it so special.
“Pre-season saw many changes at Lockwood Park. New arrivals, departures, injuries to key personnel, changes to the coaching staff.
“After the early defeats players and coaches stuck to their beliefs, began to get to know one another on and off the field and produced an outstanding seven-game winning run.
“This was brought to an end by league leaders Hull Ionians on an afternoon of ‘what ifs’ when we Trophy for the third time, in 44.46mins. Byram was second in 45.26 and Kettlewell third in 45.47.
Fastest lady and winner of the Norman Haigh Memorial Trophy for the third time was Berry in ninth place overall (51.57). Byram finished second lady (10th overall, 52.39) and Helena Croft was third lady in 21st place overall (58.46).
But it was Helm who was handicap winner and victor of the Tinker Cup - proved to each other that we can compete with the best.
“Not all results since have gone as we hoped, but the unbelievable character and quality is there to see. The team spirit we have is special and driven by a fantastic leadership duo of Dickie Piper and Lewis Bradley. Both outstanding players with ‘old school’ rugby values, which this team embodies.
“I must add that Mark Pease is also doing an excellent job in his first season leading the recording an actual time of 1.05.51 and a handicap time of 42.21.
Second and third places on handicap were Jake Harman, who was sixth overall (actual time – 50.21, handicap time – 42.51) and Ian Goulding, 26th overall, (actual time – 1.01.04, handicap time – 43.04).
The first three novices were Kettlewell, Chamberlain and 17 backs and shaping our attack. What you see on a match day is only the end product. What many don’t see are the hours spent on the training ground, age grade coaching, monthly squad meals and social interaction the lads have created to develop our club culture together.
“The home support has been nothing short of immense so far and I call on all to crank it up to another level under the ‘Lockwood Light’ over the coming months in our quest for success.
“What we have is special.”
The grind of 30 league games is both exhilarating and
exhausting
year-old Kerry. The first female novice was Clare Lock, who finished in 31st place overall (1.05.12).
The trophies were handed out by President Rob Kersey, who made a special presentation to David Cowgill after he completed 50 years as a member of Holmfirth Harriers.
A full list of results are at: holmfirthharriers.com