After much anticipation and excitement the 2021 Manchester Summer League kicked off with a bang for Manchester brand new squad!
The club welcomed new players of all abilities and varied exposure to sport, and from week 1 this absolute dream team demonstrated fantastic leadership, a keenness to grow and develop, as well as patience and a willingness to support each other.
Over the 10 weeks of the league, the new faces of Manchester Chargers trained together at the clubs weekly - open to all - sessions, and arrived early before their games to run through drills and practice core skills. This dedication and commitment really shone through, as tries were scored and games were won. Even in times of defeat the squad took away a wealth of learning that they brought into training sessions to improve week on week!
Every member of the squad brought something brilliant to the team, including the Luke Lawrence and Mike Rice’s lethal duo in mid and link, who consistently brought their all to each game, showing great leadership and sportsmanship throughout the season.
Their efforts were recognised by their fellow team mates coming head to head in Chargers most valuable player recognition. With the final vote, Mike voted for Luke tipping the balance; however both equally deserved the top spot.
Craig Lawrence, Dave Kenworthy and Will Swain regularly got stuck into link and mid, trying out their new found Touch skills and working amazingly to direct play. Craig Connell played a valuable part at wing and link throughout the league, developing massively with every game!
Luke Hickson’s hat-trick made him the man of the match one week, as he generally scoops and scores for fun! And let’s not forgot the time when Tobi James reattached our oppositions shoulder after it had dislocated mid play! It always helps to have an orthopaedic surgeon on the team! Paul Ashton consistency supported his team mates, bringing years of experience and a willingness to develop the squads newer players.
The ladies of the squad, as always, turned up for their team week on week, with minimal subs they had a go in all positions, particularly smashing it on the wing. A massive well done to Helen McGartLand, Becci Pearce, Meg Brown and Sarah Bellew. We also had our long time Charger Pamela Teagar help out with her great coaching and experience.
After a brilliant 10 weeks the team were presented with their jam packed goodie bags as a massive thank you from the club for their hard work.
Our constantly growing club has entered 2 Manchester Chargers squads into the late Summer - Manchester Mayhem - league, and we look forward to a further 5 weeks of growth, development and fun!
