Halliwell relieved to get season started

HOLLINWOOD boss Fred Halliwell was delighted that his beaten side managed to get through the weekend.

A player crisis in pre-season prompted Halliwell to admit that the club faced a real possibility of not fulfilling its division four fixtures if emergency numbers weren’t found quickly ahead of the weekend’s fixture.

A cloud then loomed over preparations for the division four home match against Elland ‘A’ following the closure of the club headquarters, the Dog Inn in Chadderton, on the eve of the game.

The news entailed a search for suitable post-match facilities, with the Nimble Nook club opening its doors — and the numbers crisis has now eased, lifting the mood despite a 58-22 defeat to Hollinwood’s opponents from West Yorkshire.

“We are over our first hurdle — just getting a side out and playing the game,” said Halliwell. “We were up against a young side who have played two or three friendlies in pre-season and it showed in the second half when they pulled away.

“But the fact is we scored 22 points and we have to be happy with that at least.”

Hollinwood were well in the game up to half-time and only trailed 22-12 before the visitors pulled away to eventually win comfortably.

Alistair Williams sent out a message with a terrific performance which saw him stand out as man-of-the-match by far, while captain Ian Hunt rolled back the years with a great stint.

Mark Johnson — back on the scene along with twin brother Paul after returning from Australia — and Williams both claimed tries, as did Darren Cooper (two), who also knocked home three conversions.

“We have climbed another hurdle and with another half-dozen players we will start to go places,” Halliwell added.