Shot at promotion remains the target

WITH a break in their fixture programme meaning no game last weekend for the men’s team, chairman Andy Mazey has provided a mid-season update for Rochdale Hornets supporters.

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He wrote: “With no game this weekend and having now played half of our 2025 Betfred League 1 fixtures, it felt an opportune time to provide you all with a mid-season update.

“On the field, our men’s team sit fifth in the table at the halfway point. While we have had some notable victories against Keighley, Swinton (league & cup) and Dewsbury away, and we are still in striking distance of the top four places, it’s fair to say that overall we are disappointed with results and performances so far in the games against the top sides, of which we believe we are one of.

“Whilst we appreciate the likes of Midlands, North Wales and Workington have spent big this year, and have significantly higher playing budgets than ourselves, we are still disappointed not to have knocked off a top side yet, either home or away.

“Last Sunday's performance in North Wales, particularly in the first half, was not of the standard we have set or expect, so there is work to do going into the second half of the season.

“The early loss of Martyn Ridyard to a bicep injury against Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Challenge Cup has undoubtedly had an impact on the cohesion and overall performance of the team.

“We have coped without him to a degree, with players playing out of position to cover, but with Martyn not due back until July/August, I was therefore delighted to conclude a deal for the transfer of another experienced half back, Jack Miller, from Keighley Cougars.

“There are very few top-class half-backs around at this level, but Jack Miller is absolutely one of them, so it’s a real coup for this club and a timely boost going into the second half of the campaign.

“The transfer will hopefully also demonstrate our ambition as a club to push for a top-four finish, and earn a crack at promotion via the Middle 8s.

“Dual-registration, I'm aware, is a topic that can divide opinion at times.