Lancashire trio signed up by Fylde RFC for next season

Fylde's top pointscorer Greg Smith scores a try against Stourbridge on his way to last season's total of 234 points

Fly-half Smith, 30, is firmly established as Fylde’s first-choice fly-half and goalkicker after four seasons at the club.

He has made 108 appearances, scoring 18 tries and kicking 689 points. Last season he was the club’s top point-scorer with 234, ranking third in National Two North. He has missed only four games since his debut in 2016.

Smith said: “We have a great squad and I’m looking forward to doing all I can to get the club back into National One.”

The playmaker admits he will miss retiring captain Adam Lewis, adding: “We played together at Sedgley Park and he was one of the reasons I signed for Fylde. He was also my travelling buddy to training and games.”

Versatile back Grimes has signed for a fourth season at the Woodlands. The 28-year-old, who previously made 70 National One appearances for Blaydon, spent part of 2018 with New Zealand club Upper Hutt Rams.

Playing mainly on the wing for Fylde, he has scored 28 tries in 69 appearances, 14 of them last season.

Grimes, who has missed only two games in two seasons, said: “I’m pleased to re-sign and be part of this Fylde side that has been together for a few seasons now and keeps getting better.”

The longest-serving member of the trio is flanker Vernon, who is looking forward to a ninth campaign in the claret and gold. The 28-year-old has made 175 appearances since his debut in 2012-13, scoring 11 tries.

A former England Under-16, U18 and England Counties U20 player, the back-rower has deputised as Fylde captain on occasions.

He said: “I just expect us to be ready and to be focused for when we get the green light (to start the season).”

Head coach Warren Spragg said of the three: “Greg is a key member of the team, kicking matchwinning goals and making our attack tick. He’s has the chance to move over 1000 points for us if we get a full season.

“Grimesy has hardly missed a game and maintains a great level of consistency. I think he had a good chance of reaching 20 tries last season and hope he can push towards the milestone.

“BV is a great role model for aspiring National League players. He’s on track to reach 200 games for the club next season.”