Fijian soldiers set to march on Workington Town

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:50, Friday, 28 November 2008

Workington Town could be cheered on by their own private army on Sunday when they open their pre-season account – 18 Fijian soldiers in full combats, including regimental head dress.

New boys on the block: Kitmen Les Horrigan, back left, and George Petre, back right, with new players, from back left, Harry Kaufman, Stephen Roper, Jack Pedley, Mark Hobson. front: Mike Whatton, Andrew Beattie, Mike Whitehead, Craig Hodgson, Tommy Brindle

The Fijians are members of the Duke of Lancaster Regiment based in Catterick and their visit has been organised by the regiment’s Sgt Andrew Prest, a Town fan from Camerton.

Cumbria’s own King’s Own Royal Border Regiment amalgamated with two others a couple of years ago to become the Duke of Lancaster, so it is hoped the soldiers will be backing the county outfit against their countrymen.

“They probably all know to support Workington Town – but I could be wrong,” quipped Sgt Prest.

“The majority are rugby league players within the battalion, and some rugby union players.

“We are having a few training sessions while at Catterick and we are getting there.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a few games after Christmas with local regiments and maybe tour Cumbria, playing senior sides like Workington Town.”

He has not seen Town play for 18 months since a posting to Germany and is looking forward to watching the new-look squad in action.

Town fans can expect to be treated to a display of free-flowing rugby league, predicts chairman Dave Bowden, who expects a thrilling encounter against a nation with a reputation for playing an entertaining style.

“It’s very early for our players, after only about two weeks of training. Some of the structure we are putting in place won’t be there yet, so it will be an open game,” Bowden said.

“It will be on the hoof and exciting for fans. The Australian Fijians will want to throw the ball around and will be like the Harlem Globetrotters - entertaining to say the least.”

The match will be far from an exhibition, however, with the likes of Mark Hobson, Tommy Brindle, Craig Hodgson, Jack Pedley, Steve Roper and Michael Watton all keen to make an impression on their Towns debuts.

Fans are urged to arrive early, with young mascots presented to local dignitaries pre-match.

It will prove a busy weekend for Town, with former club star James Pickering, the Fijians’ coach, inducted in to the club’s Hall of Fame on Saturday night.

The tourists, including four players from NRL clubs, touched down in the UK yesterday and will train at Derwent Park tomorrow, when they will meet the club’s scholarship youngsters.

A host of Town favourites from the 1993 and victorious 1994 Premiership final sides have accepted invitations to be special guests of the club on Sunday.

Tony Kay, Paul Burns, Dean Marwood, Paul Penrice, Phil McKenzie, Colin Armstrong, Wayne Kitchin, Gary Smith and Ian Scott are among those expected to be introduced to supporters at Derwent Park.

Admission prices have been pegged at 1994 levels. Adults will be charges only £8, concessions £4 and youngsters £1.

Post-match, the ’94 final, in which Town beat London Crusaders 30-22, will be shown in the Derwent Lounge, plus extensive behind-the-scenes highlights.

And a package of Pickering’s playing highlights at Town, captured by Pro-Cam and first seen at the VP evening, will receive a second showing.