Huddersfield Falcons having a top rugby union campaign

Huddersfield RUFC have had a very successful season so far – and it’s not just at first-team level where the senior side are sweeping all before them in National League III North!

Another success story for the club is having a fully-fledged and prosperous second team, known as the Falcons.

The side have so far won 11 games from 12 this season, including a proud 32-7 triumph of derby rivals Huddersfield YMCA, as well as a gigantic 133-0 win over Barnsley.

And it’s a record that fills second-team manager Bob Heppleston with pride.

“The boys put the effort in and they put in to the ethos of the club,” he said.

“And because of this the season is going very well at the moment.”

The Falcons play a very efficient and effective brand of rugby. Every game they play is an exhilarating one, with outstanding tries from both backs and forwards.

With this efficient and successful second team, the club as a whole benefits.

Younger players from the academy receive senior men’s rugby experience, whilst others develop into first-team players.

The likes of current first team players such as Tom Owen, Joel Hinchliffe and Thomas Van Rooyen came through the Falcons.

Heppleston (inset) added: “I see them coming up as 19 year-olds to the Falcons then into the first team as well.

“This for me is a big bonus, seeing those guys enjoy themselves week in, week out.”

Captaining the side falls on the shoulders of flanker Henry Ward, who claims team spirit is the key that unlocked the side’s success.

“We have a great team mentally,” he explained.

“We train hard and aim to play enjoyable rugby to its full potential.”

Heppleston is an influential figure down at Lockwood Park.

The venue is his adopted second home as he looks after numerous teams who wear the Huddersfield RU badge on their chest.

With his captivating northern personality, he is not one to take all the credit for The Falcons’ success.

“We have a very decent coach in Phil Gosling, who puts in a lot of time with the guys,” he continued.

“We also have a very good back-up team with Mike Baggs, Tim Neale, and Frank Van Rooyen.

“They put a lot in to the side and it’s really paying off at the moment.”

 

Article source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/12/02/rugby-england-zealand-idUKL4N0JH3OC20131202

Huddersfield Falcons having a top rugby union campaign