Hornets buzzing in a year to remember
HORNETS chairman Mark Wynn has reflected on 2016 and paid tribute to the club for what they have managed to achieve over the past 12 months.
It was a year to remember for Hornets both on and off the field, and Wynn is extremely grateful for what has unfolded.
“When looking back we can’t look much further that our incredible victory over Toulouse Olympique XIII way back in September when we became the Kingstone Press League 1 Champions,” he told
‘The win at Toulouse was one of the greatest victories in the club’s history’
the club’s official website.
“This was one of the greatest victories in the club’s history. Rank outsiders playing hundreds of miles away from home with just one hundred supporters in the stand amongst thousands of French fans, going 16-0 down, players concussed and others playing on with injuries.
“We clawed and scrambled our way back into the game and eventually took the lead and held on despite the French throwing everything they could and more at us.
“Reflecting on those who have left and moved on in 2016, our CEO Ryan Bradley left who has been a major figure in the clubs progress over the last few years.
On the playing front, captain Wayne English finally hung up his boots after 17 years as a professional player. Paul Crook too, who was record points scorer and Hero of Hornets along with Wayne. These and a host of others such as James Dandy, Dale Bloomfield, James Tilley, John Cookson and many more have moved onto pastures new.
“In the board room we have had some changes as well with Julie and Walter stepping down and Dave Ramsbottom stepping up to help cover. We do have some exciting news on some new boardroom members which we will announce in the New Year.
“Looking forward to 2017 it promises to be an amazing season with the team including a host of new recruits in training for nearly two months now. Everyone is eager to get on the field and start the campaign.
“We don’t have long to wait as we have some cracking pre-season fixtures against Million Pound Game winners Salford, our nearest and dearest rivals Oldham and finishing off with League Leaders Shield winners, Grand Finalists and Challenge Cup Finalist Warrington Wolves. Not a bad warm up to the League season!
“Our 2017 home and away shirts have gone down a storm and we are really pleased to announce TBA as our major club sponsors for the forthcoming campaign.
“Season tickets are also going well which hopefully will translate into healthy home attendances.
A final mention must go to our head coach Alan Kilshaw and his coaching and support team for delivering the goods in 2016 and we are sure they will continue with that great work in 2017 and make the forthcoming season one to remember.
“To help make that possible we need as much support as we can muster to get behind Alan and the team and cheer the lads onto victory, so let’s make 2017 a season to remember.”