Vine joins Brods from Crocs

Old Brodleians have announced the signing of Chris Vine from relegated local rivals Old Crossleyans.
Actions from the game, Old Crossleyans v Sheffield RU, at Broomfield, pictured is Chris VineActions from the game, Old Crossleyans v Sheffield RU, at Broomfield, pictured is Chris Vine
Actions from the game, Old Crossleyans v Sheffield RU, at Broomfield, pictured is Chris Vine

The talented back is returning to Woodhead, having gone through the Brods’ junior sides before heading off to university.

Vine was in the Crocs side which lost 20-13 to Brods at Broomfield in the final Yorkshire One fixture of the 2015/16 campaign in April, a defeat which sealed the hosts’ fate.

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Brods have also welcomed the return of another quality former junior, Danny Cole, after a spell at Otley.

Further announcements over the squad are expected over the next few weeks.

Brods warmed up for the season last Saturday when they sent two teams to Ovenden Park for the Andrew Feather Memorial Halifax Sevens.

Their first team struggled in the early games but improved steadily and won the plate competition

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Brods’ second team consisted of ex-Brods youth players now at university. The “Brods Exiles” played some excellent rugby, eventually losing in the semi-final of the main competition.

Coaches Matty Smith and Danny Monk have been pleased with a regular attendance of 30-plus players at the first two weeks of training.

The fixture list has been issued and Brods will open with a tough-looking fixture at Bridlington on September 3.

The following week they will host another of the favourites for honours in the shape last season’s Yorkshire Two champions and RFU Senior Vase winners West Leeds.

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Brods have a couple of pre-season fixtures planned, including a game with Redcar in the Yorkshire Shield.

Liverpool are the new holders of the Andrew Feather Memorial Halifax Sevens trophy after a superb team display on Saturday.

The regular visitors to the event caused a shock by dethroned defending champions Flying Lizards in the semi-final.

Cheered on by a large crowd, they followed up by toppling tournament newcomers Northern Pro Reelers in an exciting final.

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There were also victories for Old Brodleians in the Plate competition and Baildon in the Bowl final.

Gordon Feather, father of Halifax player and secretary Andrew, presented the trophies after an entertaining day.

Not even the failure of one team to show up could spoil the event, which was well supported by clubs, players and supporters from across the country.

The Halifax club has thanked the RFU, West Yorkshire Referees, the Huddersfield Giants Cheerleading squad and club volunteers for helping to make the day a success.