Those two home wins have pulled us out of the relegation zone but our situation is still precarious. Our first attempt to play at Port Sunlight ended in farce before we could kick off as a set of the rugby posts collapsed in strong winds. We all dashed back to watch the 2s. During that game a Wigan player sustained a bad leg fracture and the game was moved to our 2nd team which itself had one post damaged in the same strong winds. A bizarre day all round.

We have home games coming up that are all winnable so please get down to the club and support the team in these matches. These start with the game against Ormskirk tomorrow (7th Feb). The 2nd XV continue with a weekly fight to get a team out and we should applaud the efforts of Jim Morrell and his team as it’s been a very tough season but their spirit is not quashed and their post match thirst not quenched! Also a nod to people like Dave Higgins who has come back to help with his experience on the 2s.

Early in January I spent an enjoyable Sunday morning watching our minis / juniors hosting a triangular tournament with Tyldesely and Aspull. The place was packed and I wandered around (as the Chairman does) watching games from U7s up to U12s. It’s amazing just to see how the kids’ rugby skills evolve as they move up through the age groups. Like a lot of clubs there is a bit of separation between the juniors and seniors but I think it is an area where we are improving not least because we talk to each other! A big thank you to the coaches such as Jon Hilton, Mark Harrison, Matt Gingell, Si Buckley, Rob and Arnaud who put a lot of enthusiasm and work into the junior section. Apologies to the other coaches I don’t know but the same comments apply. I would encourage those who haven’t been down on a Sunday before to pop along and watch a few games. You’ll enjoy it!

A reminder that the next former players and friends of Ashton get together is on the 28th February (before the Tyldesley game). We will be inviting as many people as possible associated with the club for a pre-match buffet and drink. This is not just about formers players – it’s for anyone associated with the club in whatever capacity. Please contact me, Neil Peden or Paul Kirrane for more details.

As we approach Easter the club will be gripped by “cup fever” as we are through to the final of the Cheshire Bowl against Southern Nomads (IOM). This takes place on Easter Saturday, 4th April, kick off 1.30pm, venue TBC. We’ve also just agreed to host a touring team from West London (Old Isleworthians – Chris Watts used to play for them) on the 25th April, kick off 1.30pm. This should be a nice relaxing and fun way to finish the season off so please put this in your diary too.

A couple of reminders about our facebook page and twitter page. Links are here:

https://www.facebook.com/topic/ACDC/546370975373257?source=whfrt&position=2&trqid=6078642638703596887#!/groups/2240155946/

https://twitter.com/AshtonRugby

A reminder about the RFU Grand raffle. Last year we raised nearly £700 for the club. For every £1 ticket sold we keep 90p of it. Yes 90% we keep – it’s a no brainer. Good prizes too – 1st prize is £10,000. Our own target this year is to raise £1000. Please see Lynne Stansfield to pick up your raffle books. The draw takes place in March 2015.

A Summary of Socials / Events:

-February 28th – Pre-match buffet / drink for formers players and friends of AOMRUFC. 12.30pm for 1pm.

-April 19th 2015 (Sunday) – Manchester Marathon marshalling. Our 3rd year at doing this. Target is to raise £1000.

https://regonline.activeeurope.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1643784 and click on course marshals.
The code for Ashton on Mersey RUFC is ashtonrufc2015.

-April 25th 2015 – Tour Game v Old Isleworthians Kick off 1.30pm

-May 8th 2015 (Friday) – Sportsmans Dinner (guest speaker former England prop Jeff Probyn and comedian Jamie Sutherland)

-June 19th 2015 (Friday) – AOMRUFC Annual Golf Day at AOM Golf Course – See Andy Dowdall / Mike Murray for further details.

Enjoy your weekend and see you at the club.

Pat Stokes