HORNETS TARGETING FLYING FINISH IN HUGE HOME CLASHES

Hornets targeting flying finish in huge home clashes

Rochdale Hornets are aiming to finish their Betfred League One campaign with a flourish ahead of two massive home matches in coming weeks.

High-flying Hunslet - coached by former Hornets boss Alan Kilshaw - visit the Crown Oil Arena this Sunday August 6, when the club will stage a Blue Light Day to offer discounted tickets for those working in public services.

Kilshaw’s team became the first to beat table-topping Dewsbury Rams in the league on Sunday, and provide a significant challenge for Gary Thornton’s young Hornets, who are themselves fresh from an excellent win over in-form Midlands Hurricanes at weekend.

Two weeks later, another promotion-chasing team, local rivals Oldham, bring their squad down the A627 for Derby Day, with the club opening the entire main stand and the Ratcliffe Bar in anticipation of a bumper attendance.

Both matches will see the return of concessions tickets with under-16s going free, as well as a discount on tickets that are bought online in advance. Tickets for adults are £15 when bought in advance and £17 at the ground on the day, concessions £10/£12 and students £5/£8.

There are also a small number of hospitality tickets available for the Derby Day showdown with the Roughyeds, with season ticket holders receiving a discount.

With Hornets’ own play-off ambitions now in their own hands after the Hurricanes win, General Manager Matt Rigby is relishing the prospect of two huge home matches that will help shape the team’s fortunes in 2023, and aid him and the board’s planning for next season.

Rigby explained: “Since joining the club in May we have been reviewing and analysing a number of variables within the club’s operation for home match days.

“We have identified a number of areas in which we can improve and will be trialling some of these in our remaining home matches, before a full plan is put in place for 2024. The themed events have been very popular amongst most supporters already, with Blue Lights and Derby Day still to feature.

“For the remainder of our home games, we can confirm that there will be supporters’ food available in the 1907 Lounge for Hunslet & in the stadium kiosk for Oldham. For our Derby Day match against Oldham, we will be opening the full main stand along with the Ratcliffe Bar for supporters.

“Over the past fortnight we have arranged for Learning Disability Super League and Walking Rugby League matches to take place at half-time at the Crown Oil Arena, and is something we will look to continue in the future.

“In addition, I am very excited to announce two new ticketing trial incentives for supporters. Concession tickets will return for the remaining home matches, and also for the first time, supporters will be able to access discounted tickets when bought online. This is to aid our supporters with the on-going cost of living crisis by making tickets more affordable for all, as well as minimising queueing times at the stadium.”

Rigby has also placed on record his thanks to the staff at Rochdale AFC in recent weeks. He added: “Josh and his fellow ground staff team have done an exceptional job in getting the pitch ready in a limited space of time. Also to the stadium team, cleaners, ticketing teams along with COO, and George, have been a fantastic support to myself through my first few months at the helm. The relationship with RAFC is in a more positive place, and we wish them the best of luck for the upcoming season, commencing on Saturday at the COA.

“We really hope this is all positive news to our supporters and we look forward to welcoming you all in greater numbers to the COA for our remaining fixtures as we look to finish strong, push for the play offs and build the momentum going into the next step of our journey in 2024.”