Sandbach plan scrapped as Fylde stay home for only warm-up match

Fylde RFC have settled for an in-house game instead of any warm-up fixtures against opposing clubs as they build towards the National Two North kick-off next month.

Having decided against attending the Sandbach Festival of Rugby last Saturday, Fylde invited spectators to attend a 60-minute match between senior squad players at the Woodlands.

A team coached by Chris Briers emerged 35-17 victors over one led by his fellow head coach Alex Loney, who told The Gazette: "The game was a good exercise for us. We had 40 players involved and it finished five tries to three. It was a good hit-out, with plenty of things to work on.

"They had to make changes at Sandbach because of the dry weather. What was offered was not full contact and wasn't really what we were looking for."

Fylde have no plans to play on either of the weekends before their season gets underway at Billingham on September 5.

Loney added: "There's nothing scheduled at moment and it's a bit messy to be changing plans at this stage. You definitely want to avoid injuries.

"We've had a couple of offers for the weekend before the season starts but we want to avoid a game then.

"A lot of clubs have had difficulties arranging pre-season matches and the dry weather has been a factor."

Fylde's original opponents for last Saturday were Kelso but the historic Borders club pulled out of that fixture.

Fylde have usually played two August friendlies in recent years and Loney added: "We've had a long chat in the background about this.

"We've tried different models in my time here – one, two or three friendlies – and there's no perfect solution. What really matters is that you get the work done in time for the opening game."

James Sutcliffe's two tries helped to decide the in-house game as did 15 points from Danny Cassidy.