Emerging talent on show at Waterloo

SOUTHPORT RFC is firmly committed to the development of rugby union in the town.

Aside from the thriving Minis and Juniors section and the development of the ladies and girls teams, the club – with the help of sponsors Fletchers Solicitors – has set up the Southport & Formby Emerging Schools (SAFES) initiative with community coaches now regularly visiting local primary and secondary schools.

SRFC director of Mini & Junior rugby Steve Hart, with the help of coaches Bernie Gavin, Joe Mawdsley (1st XV captain) and Jamie Bailey (recent Southport M&J, 1st XV record try scorer and current Fylde RFC 1st XV), have successfully established SAFES over the past couple of seasons, culminating in three year groups competing over three Monday afternoons in informal round-robin tournaments at Waterloo Road.

This year saw teams from Christ the King, Formby High, Meols Cop, Range High, Scarisbrick Hall, and Stanley all take part with Range coming out on top in the Year 7 and 8 events and Formby was the Year 9 winner, beating Stanley and Meols Cop in atrocious conditions.

Southport president Graham Ellis presented the trophies, thanking all the pupils, teachers and parents for their support.

He added: “All the matches were a credit to the schools involved and were played in a terrific spirit with no shortage of talent and potential on view.”

He extended a welcome to all pupils and parents to come down to the club and sample a great playing and social environment.

For further details contact Steve Hart via the SRFC website www.southportrfc.com.