Match Preview

Lokos Kick Off Their League Campaign

Sponsored by Timothy Taylor’s

This Saturday will see York Lokomotive welcome Birstall Victoria in their first league game of 2018. After an absolute fantastic pre-season, starting in January with Unit 17c and Old School Strength & Conditioning putting the lads through hell in preparation for the season, the results showed immediately with the Red & Whites claiming not just their first but also their second piece of silverware in 10 years in the early part of 2018. The Lokos have played 7 games prior to the league kicking off and have won 4 drawn 1 and lost 2 of those, albeit each of the losses only been by 2 points. On their way to winning the inaugural North Yorkshire Cup and also the Selby Cup the Lokos have scored 268 points from 50 tries and 34 goals and conceded 168 giving them an impressive 100 points for and against.

Of those 268 points incredibly a 112 of them can be attributed to on fire pivot Ricky James, who has crossed the whitewash 13 times, making him the top try scorer so far and also slotted 30 goals, the stand in captain for when inspirational leader Jon Cambridge has been injured will be hoping to carry this form into the league season. There has been some impressive performances so far in 2018 with 22 players crashing over for at least 1 try, meaning just shy of 60% of the players used in our pre-season have contributed to the teams points haul. Notable mentions are to be given to new signing no nonsense back rower Daryl Fogg who’s crossed 4 times and Danny Lee, Matt Chapman, Jamie Price and Liam Watling who have each crossed 3 times, with another 16 players crossing once or twice, it certainly has been a great few months for the team.

Saturday sees a plethora of players from pre-season missing due to picking up numerous numbers of knocks in a fruitful yet costly cup winning start to the year, Lokomotive are still looking to put a strong side out and expect a very tough encounter from a Birstall side in whom they are playing for the first time. Although many a missing through injury, holiday and work, crucially James and Cambridge are available to lead the squad as well as experienced pack men Mat Martin and Jamie Price, youngster Keenan Rushworth will be making his 20th appearance for the club and will be hoping to add to his tally of 6 tries. The ever reliable Josh Mann will be making his 40th appearance, and Saturday will see the return of the talents of George Hampshire, Tom Gargan, Jack Daniels, Josh Philipps and fresh from paternity Scott Porteous. The Lokos will be looking to get the season off on the correct foot and hopefully pick up the 2 points.

All our home matches this year are sponsored by the fantastic brewer Timothy Taylor’s, who have started a partnership with the club this year. The match Ball sponsor is Snap On Tools, and we will also be returning to our main club sponsor, Bishopthorpe Sports and Social Club for the first time this year. We’d also like to thank our other sponsors and partners, York Wholesale Meats, The Coach & Horses (Tadcaster), The Lighthorseman (Fulford), Pullman Coaches and All Saints School we’ll be seeing you all soon…..

Mon’ the choo

2/5…….