Waterloo Rugby

Hello,

I hope that you are all well and settling into the New Year. I have to say that as a result of the benign weather before Christmas the season now is a little stop and start, for instance this Saturday is the First Team's only home game this month, the only other match the trip to Birkenhead Park on 18th February before we return to play another big home match against Altrincham Kersal on 3rd March.

In the meantime we would look to keep the Club buzzing and I would ask that you consider supporting the Junior teams and our excellent Ladies team all of them contribute to what we have at Waterloo, so look out for the fixtures, see how they can be incorporated into any plans to view the Six Nations at the Club, and give them a shout.

As I say Saturday gives us the only home game this month against a very good Bradford and Bingley side. January was a bit up and down, losses to Morley and Chester and a good home win against Lymm, I know the players will be keen to claim the a victory on Saturday and I know that our good home support always helps lift the team. There is a lunch before the game hosted by the President. I understand that some famous names from our past are venturing down, including Maurice Cotter, Ged Poynton, Dave Reed, Keith Hancock and Twink Collins are planning to join our Vice President, from personal experience I can say that they have stood the test of time well, but I am sure they would enjoy seeing a few familiar faces. If you want to book in please call Andrea at the office.

Also on Saturday, with the Seconds away at Stockport looking to bounce back after a tough game against Birkenhead Park last week, we have the second of the Third v Fourth games, hopefully, weather permitting as a curtain raiser for the First Team game. Both teams are working hard and building at the moment, the thirds their experience and know how, the Fourths just their age! However their contribution is really important to the Club and should be encouraged when you can.

This Sunday 5th February, as well as the array of mini and junior sport, there will also be a home game for the Junior Colts against Preston Grasshoppers in the Lancashire Cup. The lads have been doing really well recently and are in the upper reaches of League C, but now take on a team that play their rugby in League A. It will be a tough task, they are looking forward to it, and they would appreciate all the support available.

Finally, and it is always a good idea to leave the best news to the end, I want to congratulate Steph Veal, Rich Freeman and everyone else who helps with and plays for the Ladies Team for their great result in beating Camp Hill 10-0 the other week, and following that up with a 45-0 victory against Team Northumbria. It makes the top of the table as close as can be, with every chance that topping the league will come down to bonus points and points difference. The next game, after several of the team compete for the North over the next two weeks, will be at home in a re-arranged game against Buckingham Swans on 19th February please feel free to gorge yourself on rugby that weekend, Park on Saturday, the Ladies on Sunday.

I realise I have gone on a bit and thank you for your patience, if I could mention again the dinner on 2nd March with Jeff Probyn, see if you and a friend could take a ticket and we will make up the tables, and in finishing I would thank you all for your continued support and for those helping out, your assistance. For those who want to be more involved there will always be something to help out on.

Here's looking forward to a good weekend

Dave"