Hornets showcase Superhero quality
HORNETS lived up to their superhero pre-match billing on Sunday as they proved too powerful and strong for visiting Cornwall.
The result capped a hugely successfil Superhero Day at the club with spectators treated to no less than four games of RL and no shortage of entertainment beyond that provided by the players.
A rocky start saw the Hornets giving away sixpenalties in the first 20 minutes as Cornwall took a slender 6-4 lead.
The home side struck first through Myles Harrop but after a high tackle from Aiden Roden putting him in the bin, Nichol dived over for Cornwall.
A penalty-filled affair seemed on the cards, both teams making high tackles and some good old fashioned brawling. Eventually it was Cornwall who showed their frustration, as Punchard was ironically sent off for a red card.
Luke Forber carried on his scoring ways by getting over after 35 minutes. Martyn Ridyard again missed the kick leaving hornets a slender 8-6 in front.
Ridyard then showed his experience with a behind the back pass towards “Captain Rochdale” on superhero day, Duane Straugheir, who dived over, Ridyard converting his first of the afternoon.
Tommy Brierly got over for his first of the day as Hornets registered back to back tries and on half time Forber dived over, but this one was disallowed for being in touch. So Hornets led 20-6 at the break.
It was a dream start for the Hornets in the second 40. Tying the 12 men of Cornwall down through the middle, Brad Brennan showed his power by racing over.
A total lapse in judgement from the kick off saw the Hornets gift Cornwall a try, which was converted by Cam Brown.
It was three sets and three tries, however, when Lewis Else went dancing through and over in his style, putting the Hornets comfortably in front with around 35 minutes to play.
Forber read a huge dummy from Ridyard which eventually resulted in a big pass over the left hand edge for him to dive over for his second of the day.
And minutes later veteran players Gregg Mcnally and Ridyard linked up to put Mcnally over for his 199th try of his career.
Two tries from Brierley in the 60th and 65th minute, separated by a Cam Brown 80m dash for a try, completed his hat-trick and sealed the game for Rochdale.
A Cam Brown consolation however finished off the game as he ran through the tired defence of the Hornets, the game finishing 56-24 to the Hornets.
It rounded off a day of real community spirit and togetherness within the club on what was a successful Superhero Day with an U16s Junior Match before the main event featuring Leigh Miners Rangers and Rochdale Mayfield. There was also a Learning Disability Match between Rochdale Hornets and Wigan Warriors and a Walking RL Match, Hornets taking on Warrington Wolves.
During the half time interval of Hornets’ victory against Cornwall, the crowd of almost 900 enjoyed a Superhero Dash Race and later on Supporters Bingo Night with the Mayor and local councillors also in attendance.
Rochdale Hornets unveiled a special, one-off kit in the club’s first-ever Superhero Day fixture – available to pre-order via the club’s official kit supplier Supro Sport.
Superhero Day is a new themed event for rugby league, and the Hornets embraced the superhero world in and around the stadium leading up to the match, with plenty of initiatives for the whole family.
Supporters were encouraged to embrace the day and get involved, with prizes to be awarded for the best fancy dress on display at the Crown Oil Arena.
The Hornets held superhero-themed activities on the day of the game in their newly-launched kids area, Hooper’s Hive.
Under 16s could take advantage of free admission to the Round 8 fixture, while adult tickets were priced at just £10.
After the fixture itself, a Bingo Night and Play Your Cards Right, hosted by the All Hornets Supporters Association, was held at the stadium.
Speaking ahead of the Hornets’ Superhero Day, general manager Matt Rigby said: “Superhero Day isn’t just about capes and masks; it’s about embracing the heroic spirit within all of us.
“We’re thrilled to pioneer this ground-breaking event in the sport, where fans of all ages can unleash their inner superhero. From thrilling competitions to interactive exhibits, Superhero Day is more than just a game; it’s a rallying cry for our community to come together, celebrate their strength and make a positive impact.
“We believe in the power of sport to unite and inspire, and Superhero Day is our way of engaging with the community on a whole new level, like never before.”