All action at rugby club
ONE of the last outstanding pieces of the rugby jigsaw took place at Tyldesley RUFC last weekend, with the official launch of the 2021/22 season of the Lancashire County Rugby Union Leagues.
The Wids were one of the 26 Clubs in attendance at the meeting to discuss all things rugby, ahead of the new campaign which is now tantalisingly close after an 18-month absence.
It has been a long time between drinks for the teams taking part, and there was a real crackle of excitement and anticipation inside the room as details of the new season were unveiled.
The good news is that the enforced absence has not dampened interest. Indeed, far from it, with the arrival of a number of new clubs taking part.
The senior competition has expanded this year and will now feature three divisions for the first time. A new initiative has also been established with the creation of the ‘Combination Leagues.’
These leagues have been set-up to attract lower-based sides into a competition that is designed to mirror that of the more senior teams, and provide improved cash flow for clubs with one team always at home when the other is away.
There was also the chance for Widnes to officially get their hands on the ADM Premier League Trophy which they had won for a second season in a row during the 2019/20 season which was cut short by the pandemic.
This time, though, they were not going to be denied there moment of glory, and Antony Leadbetter was on hand to step up and collect the cup on behalf of the ‘Red-and-Blacks.’
A number of other important issues were discussed at the meeting. The County’s Mental Health initiative “Lend a Cauliflower Ear” saw all clubs provided with Rugby Safe Kits and posters to display in their clubs.
The new Lancashire Rugby YouTube channel was also mentioned, and clubs can upload their tries so that they can be clipped on to the Lancashire Rugby
Weekend Review programme starting on September 5.
The draw was also made for the Pool games of the Silver Trophy which will see the Seconds take their place in Group C alongside Trafford MV and Wigan. The four Group winners will then go forward to make up the semi-finals, whilst the final itself will take place at Heaton Moor RUFC in April.
The Wids held another successful Golf Day at Widnes Golf Club last Friday.
The event was held in memory of former club members, John Ratcliffe, Antony Morris and Brian Gill.
The John Ratcliffe Trophy winner was Peter Jerram just ahead of runner-up Ade Beckett. Ady Beckett and Ste Hodgson claimed the
Antony Morris Pair Trophy beating off the combined challenge of Ste Brown and Andy McIntosh. Tony Delaney was the winner of the Brian Gill Trophy for nearest the Pin, whilst the longest drive award went to Trevor Young.