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Cup games to be our pre-season – Stanks

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:55:16 -0000

John Stankevitch will hand debuts to a host of new signings when Rochdale Hornets begin their 2012 campaign on Sunday.

Hornets host South Wales Scorpions in their first Northern Rail Cup group game, which will be their first proper run-out with the weather having played havoc with friendlies.

Hornets to give youth a chance

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:55:59 -0000

Rochdale coach John Stankevitch is encouraging young players starting out in the game under his guidance to take a leaf out of his book.

Stankevitch came through the ranks as a teenager at Saints – he was given his chance, he worked hard and he went on to enjoy a successful career. He’s now making his mark in coaching and is determined to give youth its chance within the Rochdale set-up.

Hornets' Stankevitch is keeping cards close to his chest

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:55:55 -0000

It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for John Stankevitch's Rochdale Hornets as they prepared for the new season with a friendly double header.

Victory over near rivals Rochdale Mayfield was quickly followed by a heavy defeat at North Wales Crusaders.

Rochdale Mayfield 12 Rochdale Hornets 32

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:46:36 -0000

Rochdale Hornets overcame their near neighbours Mayfield on Saturday in a match designed to give both teams a pre-season workout.

At the final whistle it was a feeling of job done from both camps after a steady game at the Mayfield Sports Centre.

North Wales Crusaders 50 Rochdale Hornets 22

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:31:52 -0000

Rochdale Hornets’ second game of the weekend proved a step too far as the mix of under-23s and first team regulars succumbed to a fired up North Wales Crusaders side.

After playing Rochdale Mayfield on Saturday, Hornets took the trip across the border to Wrexham to play the newly-reformed Crusaders in the Sunday fixture.

Warrington Wizards 22 Rochdale Hornets U23s 20

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:55:16 -0000

Hornets' new Under 23s' close battle against Warrington Wizards was overshadowed by an injury to Jamie Trantum which led to the match being abandoned.

Jamie underwent an operation on Sunday to pin his ankle, and everyone associated with the club wishes him a speedy recovery.

Stankevitch sceptical about chances of Hornets' Law Cup clash with Oldham going ahead

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:51:30 -0000

The annual fixture was postponed for a third time this weekend and it had been suggested that the two clubs should play during midweek.

That possibility has been ruled out by Stankevitch, however, who tweeted about the importance of player safety at the weekend.

Hornets' Stankevitch can’t wait to get started

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:55:39 -0000

This weekend’s Law Cup tie is one that manager John Stankevitch will relish like any other Rochdale Hornets fans, but the boss admits that he must also be wary that the competitive season is just around the corner.

Following two postponements to the game at Whitebank, the club’s historic pre-season friendly is finally expected to go ahead this Sunday.

Hornets take on Town for starters

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:55:07 -0000

Hornets get their season under way when they take on Rochdale Town team at Mayfield Sports Centre tonight (Wednesday).

It will be an opportunity for Hornets head coach John Stankevitch to assess the abilities of his Under 23s, as he plans to field the younger members of his squad, bolstered by one or two experienced first-teamers.

Stankevitch has tough festive balancing act

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:55:07 -0000

Hornets head coach John Stankevitch has named a provisional squad to face the Rochdale Town Team at Mayfield on Wednesday, December 28, kick-off 7.30pm.

But with Christmas on the horizon, Stankevitch has to get the balance right between enjoying the festive period with his family and then preparing for the approaching season.

Baines bolsters Hornets back row

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:55:47 -0000

Hornets head coach John Stankevitch has added experienced back-rower Chris Baines to his squad for the new season.

Former Oldham man Baines, 27, played at Grand Final winners Keighley Cougars last season, where he was employed in a community role. But, after his contract ended he was looking for a move back over the Pennines to his native Lancashire and Stankevitch was only too happy to oblige.

Hornets chief left unhappy by draw

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:55:39 -0000

Hornets start the new season proper on February 12 with a home tie against South Wales Scorpions in the group stages of the Northern Rail Cup.

The remaining three games are against Championship opposition, with next up a tough trip to Halifax the following week.

Rochdale to be host town for Rugby League World Cup in 2013

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:17:26 -0000

Hornets' John Stankevitch described Rochdale’s hosting of a group match in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup as a massive boost to the town.

The RFL announced the tournament will be staged in four countries, with matches played across venues in England, Wales, Ireland and France, including Spotland.

Recruitment drive well under way for Hornets

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:55:42 -0000

With Hornets training due to resume on 23 November, head coach John Stankevitch is casting the net far and wide in his search for new players.

He has already recruited new signings Jonny Leather, Casey Mayberry, Anthony Stewart and Paul O’Connor, to play alongside those he has retained.

Dr Duffy signs off after 18 years with Hornets

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:55:44 -0000

Hornets said a fond farewell to club doctor Chris Duffy following their last home match of the 2011 campaign.

Dr Duffy, a GP at Argyle Medical Centre, Heywood, joined Hornets in 1993 and has been seen on the touchline and in the field of play at most of Hornets home matches. Hornets’ director Walter Tann presented Dr Duffy with a signed Hornets shirt on behalf of the board, members and everyone connected with the club and said: "It’s not often that people have an 18-year association with a club.