Mark Hopley praises Birmingham and Solihull Bees captain Jack Preece

Nov 13 2011 by Brian Dick, Sunday Mercury

BEES forward Mark Hopley has encouraged captain Jack Preece to continue playing well in the hope he will be spotted by one of rugby’s big boys.

Back rower Hopley, who is also an academy coach at Northampton, believes 22-year-old Preece is a rough diamond following a string of excellent performances for the Damson Park outfit.

Operating at openside flanker Preece was in devastating form in the 21-17 victory over Macclesfield last Sunday and deservedly won man of the match.

But that display was just the latest from the youngster who first started playing for Bees when he was just 17.

In that time he has developed into a first-rate No.7 although his size means he is often confined to playing hooker.