Chesterfield Panthers post gritty win in tough conditions
Chesterfield Panthers produced a gritty performance in atrocious conditions to notch up a win in their first pre-season game of the new campaign.
A mixed team featuring plenty of new faces – as well as some familiar returning ones – made the trip to Worksop.
Ironically, during a period when the RFU has pushed back the start of league fixtures due to concerns about the sun-baked pitches being too hard, this game was played in torrential rain.
That inevitably impacted the style of play with little chance for the backs to show much handling skills in weather that suited a close-quarter forward contest.
Chesterfield got the bit between their teeth and delivered a powerful powerful that saw them run out 7-17 winners.
With the Panthers keen to give everyone game time, including several of last year’s Colts, the team did well to keep their shape and develop some new partnerships and combinations. Speaking after the game, Captain Saul Hinchcliffe praised Worksop for giving them a tough examination.
He said: “It was up-the-jumper stuff but we took it to them in a hard, physical game.
"Massive props to Worksop for coming out, they really wanted it – but even bigger props to our boys who all pulled together in a mixed team of seconds and firsts – some young lads making their debuts – so shout out to the young lads and the Colts.
Vice Captain Jake Wright added: "Everyone came together and everyone really did the shirt proud.”
"Hard graft in this weather and not many mistakes and some good shape so, yeah, proud of the lads today.”