Both teams have secured their place in the North Lancs and Cumbria League for next season. However, there is little doubt that each will hoping for greater things next time around.

Fleetwood got off to a magnificent start in September, starting with an opening day victory over Aspatria. The unbeaten run lasted 7 games until a late October defeat at Hawcoat Park brought the ceiling crashing in. From that point Fleetwood began to suffer. They were unable to recapture early season form and have had to settle for a mid table finish.

Taking nothing away from Fleetwood, it is on record that our performance in Lancashire was easily the worst of the season and that was on day 1! Since that game we have played some excellent rugby; doing the double over close rivals Wigton and play-off bound De La Salle. However, interspersed with those highlights there have been defeats when we have failed to ‘click’. The first and worst was at Fleetwood and undoubtedly these aberrations have cost the players promotion. The bright side is that there is absolutely no doubting that if this squad decides to stay together then the outcome will be all together different come April 2018.

Last knockings in the league. Congratulations to Carlisle on their automatic promotion and we hope De La Salle follow them in the play-off game. At this time it looks as if DLS will travel to Douglas in the Isle of Man but this may change if, leaders of the South League, Manchester do not take full points from their visit to local rivals Bowden. I am sure DLS would prefer the shorter distance on offer.

At the bottom of the table it is a disaster area for Cumbria Rugby with all 3 relegated teams coming from the county. Upper Eden have had the longest run of any team currently in the league with 14 straight seasons. This is about to end. Also coming down are Workington and Silloth. The more positive news is that the Cumbria League will be much stronger next season.

Coming up from Cumbria are Keswick who have easily won the league. They may be followed by Whitehaven who will go forward to a play-off game against Burnley or Didsbury. The smart money is on Burnley who only have to win their final home game of the season to secure the berth.

FLEETWOOD MATCH SPONSOR : A WELCOME RETURN OF ANDIDRAIN
FLEETWOOD MATCH BALL SPONSOR : JIM FOULDS AND FAMILY

TODAY’S RAFFLE IS IN AID OF THE JDRF CHARITY ~ PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY
This charity is supported by our match day sponsor and does some superb work with children suffering from Type 1 Diabetes. There are some great prizes on offer and 100% of the proceeds go to the charity.

Following the game we will have the Players Presentation Evening. An opportunity to put the season behind us and look forward to different outcomes.