Much was said after our defeat away at Oldham last weekend, many were positives. This I don't deny, the team showed character, started to show that although it is in it's infantile stages the new structure being implemented down here is starting to take shape. But at the end of the day, we lost, and not just by one try may I add. So training this week has all been about getting us back on track & having a one minded focus on the visit of St. Eddies tomorrow.

2 years ago Eddies were challenging at the top of this league by the end of the season, so a convincing thrashing dished out by us boys on last season's opener sent tongues wagging. In the reverse fixture, it was TC who once again took the spoils. Eddies very narrowly avoided relegation but will be keen to make sure this does not repeat itself this season. Eddies are a big team, and like any true Scousers, they do like to wing it around & try to play some good rugby. But often half the size, the TC pack regularly outmuscles bigger forward packs, as shown in the dominant scrum over Oldham last weekend. And we have a back line that just loves running with the ball & running hard!!

There are a few changes made to the TC team, where injury rules out a number of last weeks starting XV. In the front row James Gorrie gets his first start of the season, Neil Wright missing the fixture with a calf problem. Callum Holland misses out (knee) & is replaced by starting debutant, Tom Bailey. Tom has been fantastic all pre-season & has come on leaps & bounds. He has been playing with the TC 2nd XV for a number of years now but a positional change has seen him thrown in to the 1st XV mix. Joining Tom in 'the row' is another TC debutant, Ralph Clarke, who has joined us from Blackburn. Ralph has trained hard & a number of people are excited to see what he offers out there tomorrow. I myself miss the game due to a trapped nerve in my back but Dom Griffiths makes his 3rd appearance, and his 2nd at 7. Rob Meekins is passed fit to make his first game of the season, and it is just in time with Ryan Haywood missing out (shoulder). TC have an extremely exciting bench for the visit of Eddies with 'new' arrival Chris Carney poised to make his debut along with the return of numerous Player Of The Season award winner, David 'Speedy' Beardsall. Chris Clapp will lead the troops in my absence & will be integral at 15 if TC are to get our second victory of the season.

Please try & get down to the game tomorrow which starts at 15:00 & support the boys. Also if anyone is in the Lancaster area, the 2nd XV are travelling to Vale of Lune where they hope to pick up their 1st 'W' of the season. A number of new & returning players are involved, Paul Vuti, Pete Armstrong, John Burtonwood, and Rob Fallowes. I & the rest of the 1st XV squad which you all the best & hope to have 36+ happy players in 24hrs time.

Tomorrow nights events are the 21st celebrations of our fave barmaid, Tasmin, being held at The Cube. And a warm invite has been sent out by Pat Meehan for all to attend his house warming. TC shirt & tie is a MUST for all players & we expect to see you at one or both of the booze ups. Go hard.

From a valium fuelled slumber,

Brannigan