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ACTON STATIONS

Rugby union: Acton Nomads are the new club in town
Jun 10 2009 by Peter Morse, Crewe Chronicle

SOUTH Cheshire will have a new rugby union team next season.

The Acton Nomads, who aim to play at Nantwich's Barony Park and will use the nearby Red Lion as their clubhouse, have been accepted as members of Cheshire RFU and handed a place in the Miller Homes League.

Many of the founder members have switched from Crewe and Nantwich RUFC - sparking fears of a rugby rift in the town.

But Nomads chairman Jed Thurlow insisted: "This is nothing to do with anyone but Acton Nomads.

"We decided to come up with a new team for Nantwich because there were enough people interested in doing something fresh.

"Nomads are going to be about social rugby, but that doesn't mean we will spend all our time getting drunk because that's not part of it.

"We are all passionate about rugby and most of us have played for years - some at a very high level. We will be competitive and make sure we play good, hard rugby.

"We will approach things in a professional manner, but at the same time want to capture an essence of rugby's Corinthian spirit and the days of the amateur."

Thurlow, who was vice-chairman and third team skipper at Crewe and Nantwich last season, added: "I believe we are filling a gap in the market that will bring out people who have long wanted to give rugby a go.

"It is phenomenally exciting to see the energy that people are putting in to this project.

"It is hard work but the success and joy will be pulling the shirt on and running out for the first time. The first game will be an absolute stormer."

The fact that Nomads have appointed a head coach of the calibre of former Crewe and Nantwich man Matt Farr signals their intent to make a serious impact on the field.

Behind the scenes, director of rugby Ian McLellan and secretary Tony Pennance have also made the trip from Vagrants Park and form part of a highly-motivated backroom team.

They have formulated an ambitious five-year development plan which includes launching a youth section after the second year.

The Nomads, whose motto is "nothing without effort", plan to forge links with other sports clubs, support local charities and promote the game across South Cheshire.

They will play in green and blue and take part in the Miller Homes Division Five South.

They will visit Whitchurch 4ths in the season's curtain-raiser on September 5, and clash with teams from Crewe and Nantwich, and Sandbach, during the campaign.

The club has been backed by Nantwich mayor Edith Williams, who said: "Nantwich is growing all the time and a local rugby club has something to give.

"It brings families together and that is important to community spirit, and it is character building for youngsters."

For more information visit the website www.actonnomads.co.uk