Team News and Updates as they happen (Updated 14th April)
14th April
The Mighty 3rds v Burnley
We traveled to Burnley this week with a very strong side even though we didn't have the young bucks who were away on a birthday bash in Blackpool.
But we the old crocks and the Holden Boys were more than a match for the Youthful side Burnley pitched against us. As always we in the Mighty 3rds take on all comers and we took the game with a 22 to 0 final score. There were outstanding performances from John Whittle who was my man of the match and Mike Doherty causing mayhem through the mid field. Aqeel a new comer to rugby union is learning fast and will be a great asset to the team for next season. We are at home next week in our final game of the season v Bae Warton 1
I will be looking for an awesome and outstanding turnout from the Mighty 3rds. We are in 2nd place with 71 points behind Chorley with 80 points and that's how the season will probably end.
I would like to thank all the lads who have played for and supported the Mighty 3rds and supported me over the last two seasons the least I can do is get a round in for the lads. Look forward to seeing you all next week.
News clip from Burnley match report
In 5 North Jason Bells thirds host old friends and rivals Blackburn who are having a super season , second in the league and losing just once all season at leaders Chorley 7-0.Last Saturday they just edged past Thornton 26-24 .When Burnley travelled to Ramsgreave Drive earlier in the year and they were thumped 55-11.Hopefully old boy Mike Doherty will be starring for Blackburn and make a welcome but hopefully not successful return to Holden Road to face old friends and playing mates.
The Magician
A few pics
6th April
Thornton Cleveleys
What a magnificent performance by The Mighty 3rds yesterday, the team spirit was high Thornton looked impressive and were actually looking like they were going to win. In true 3rd Team spirit we rose to the challenge and by half time we were level pegging at 19 a piece.
The game went up a level and the pace was horrendous, Thornton were desperate to win this game and even threw in the proverbial kitchen sink. we were behind by 5 points at 19 - 24 with seconds to go when out from the ranks a horse charges out Oh sorry it was Jurguen, knowing we only had seconds he followed the ball to the line and God knows what happened next but he had the ball somehow and put it down for the equalizer at 24 - 24 each Eddy slotted the 2 points and in the last play of the day took the game with a 26 . 24 win. Thornton knew they had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and must have been really devastated at the result.
As always our hats off to Thornton for a fantastic challenge played with great spirit and tenacity. I would like to thank Kilian for disobeying orders, well done mate lol, Aqeel who is getting better every time he plays and Jimmy "Tasmanian Devil" Townes who never seemed to stop spinning when he had the ball amazing stuff to watch when he sets off, not even our own side knew where he was going.
Of course the dick of the day goes to yours truly for not including the batteries in the camera so with the kind permission of Thornton I snaffled these for you.
PhotosLets have a good turn out for Burnley away next week and keep our winning ways. All the best and Thanks The Team Magician.
1st April
The Mighty 3rds v Fleetwood 4's
The Mighty 3rds took on the 15 men of Fleetwood be it one of them was ours but none the less Fleetwood did not come to Ramsgreave to lose. The tenacity of their play made The 3rds work hard but we were loaded with talented players who ran Fleetwood ragged but they never gave up and it was a fiesty game right to the end. Hats off to our friends from the coast and the best of luck towards the end of the season. The Mighty 3rds won 46 - 10 a good result which has placed us 2nd in the league but behind by 11 points.
The Mighty 3rds are at home next week (Easter Saturday) to Thornton Cleveleys 2. This is a rearranged game and we will need maximum support so could every body make an extra special effort to be available for the day.
Thanks
The Team Magician
A slideshow of the game in pictures on the link..
.Slideshow
24th March
The Mighty 3rds v Bolton
The Mighty 3rds traveled away to Bolton on a glorious day for some good running rugby. With a full compliment of players the team was in good shape and we needed to be for today's clash. Bolton were awash with young talented players back from Uni. Burn soon got on the score sheet with and excellent try from the ever young Braddy. We were up against a fast side and the lads in the team had their work cut out.
After a couple of tactical substitutions we had a family back line with the Holden brothers Eddy, Joe and Billy with dad shepherding his flock from the full back position. Bolton always looked menacing but were only able to breach our defence once. The final score was a win for The Mighty 3rds 27 - 7
A slideshow of the game in pictures can be seen at The Mighty 3rds v Bolton
12th March...3rd XV Support U16's Race Night
The following entry is from Ian Gibbs BRUFC (U16's). I wish to pass the message on to all the lads and friends of the 3rd XV:
Mike/Keith
Please pass on my thanks to all from the 3rdXV who supported the under 16 race night. The evening was a success we raised over £800 towards our tour and the NSPCC.
We are grateful for the support you gave especially your generosity and enthusiasm in the bidding for owners in the last race.
Best wishes for the remainder of the season.
Ian
11th March
The Mighty 3rds. The lads played a very competitive game of rugby today and with an excess of players we could only overwhelm C&N with a win of 53 - 7. Many thanks go to all the lads and friends of the team who donated to Pete Spencer's Head and Neck unit at the Royal Blackburn. Pete was a great friend of the club and always enjoyed coming down to watch a game with a few pints in tow and particularly enjoyed the 3rds games when we were at home. Pete will be sadly missed by all and our collective team thoughts are with Christine his wife and friend for 27 years. The donation has gone to a good cause and if anyone would like to add to the donation your gift would be most welcome.
The front row
6th March
The Mighty 3rds are in action again this weekend with our old friends from the other end of the M65, Colne & Nelson who are on the bottom of the league, are a proud team and will come to Ramsgreave ready to create an upset by trying to beat us.
We will need to raise the best team we can for Saturday in order to meet C&N head on, any complacency will result in letting C&N get a good start against us.
Other News
A dear friend of the club Peter Spencer has passed away, not many would know him by name but you may have seen Pete and Christine his wife, sat at the club enjoying a beer or two on many a Saturday afternoon and always enjoyed watching the 3rds playing when we were at home.
I call on all the Mighty 3rds to give a donation to his Charity. I will set the ball off rolling with a Team donation of £25 doubled up by a generous offer from Keith W to £50.
Any personal donations should be given to Keith and he will collect the monies and pass the donation to Christine through the club who will see it gets to the right place.So if you could make a donation no matter how small, Keith will collect it from you on Saturday prior to the match. Many thanks for your anticipated generosity from Capt Carlos.