Grounds for celebration
WIDNES Rugby Union Football Club stalwart Graham McLean was presented with the prestigious ‘Groundsman Of The Year’ award at the Lancashire RFU Awards Dinner at Preston Grasshoppers.
McLean has been at Heath Road man and boy playing a variety of roles over the many years – from player to volunteer to club president.
He was a very worthy recipient of the award in recognition of all his hard work, in particular preparing the excellent playing surface provided for all the teams at the very successful Raging Bull Colts Final Day held at Widnes.
On that field, Widnes have announced that pre-season training will start at the club next Tuesday, June 28 at 7pm.
On Saturday, August 6 there will be an inter-club trial game followed by a barbecue and registration day where players have to pay their yearly subs which have been reduced to £40 if paid on the day or before September.
If paid on that day, they will each receive a free dress shirt for game days and a kit bag.
Two warm-up games have also been arranged – at West Park on Saturday, August 13 and at home on Saturday, August 20 – both games will kick off at 3pm.
With the first-team fixtures having been announced last week, it is now the turn of the seconds and thirds to find out where they will be playing their rugby next season.
The actual fixtures and dates for the Raging Bull Leagues have been delayed slightly, but the seconds will be playing in Division Three South once again alongside Broughton Park, Capenhurst, Carrington, Dukinfeld, Holmes Chapel, Lymm, Manchester, Marple, New Brighton, Village Spartans, Whitchurch, Wilmslow and Wirral.
As expected, the thirds will compete in Division Five West along with Anselmians, Birkenhead Park, Ellesmere Port, Helsby, Mossley Hill, Oxton Parkonians, Port Sunlight, Prenton, Sefton, Wallasey and Wirral.
For anyone looking to play rugby union, the club are actively recruiting for players both young and old for the forthcoming campaign.
So if you are just starting out, new to the area or looking to return to the game after a spell out, then there is something for everyone at Heath Road.
The club currently operate a thriving mini and junior section whilst the club run three teams at senior level.
If you are interested in playing rugby union, then please contact Sharon Miller for the minis and juniors on 07403608724. Open age players should contact head coach Lee McDermott on 07881976635.