Southport RFC First team was disappointed that Leigh RUFC was unable to raise a team to fulfil the agreed friendly fixture at Waterloo Road last weekend. This was a great pity as the higher ranked team from down the East Lancashire Road would have provided a good yardstick for the challenge ahead, but the lads get another pre-league opportunity this Saturday when Wigan RUFC provide a stern challenge in the Lancashire Plate.

Wigan has been established for several years in South Lancashire & Cheshire Division One, the league into which Southport have been promoted. As with any team from that neck of the woods they will be a stern test of the home side’s credentials. However the hard work put in over the summer under meticulous head coach Bill Nicholl including an impressive away win at Camp Hill RFC, Birmingham should stand Joe Mawdsley’s boys in good stead.

Thanks to the hard work put in by volunteer groundsman Shane Cook ably assisted by Faye Dagnall the pitch is looking in tip top condition, and with the surrounds having been tidied up under the direction of Mark Astwood, Waterloo Road is looking a picture. Not only a fitting stage for superb running ‘Play the Southport way’ rugby but the refurbished clubhouse is being increasingly booked for wedding receptions and anniversaries, landmark birthday celebrations and wakes. Contact Sue Astwood for details.

Just to complete the pre-season activities next Thursday will see twenty players and officials representing Southport RFC at the home of England Rugby Union at Twickenham. The First XV is one of six from across the country, and the only one from the North, nominated by the RFU for its Team of the Year Award 2015-16.

This is the most prestigious on field honour the club has been up for its one hundred and forty four year history. As ever the competition will be immense but come what may this is a tribute to the whole club which has done the town and the game proud and will continue to do so into the coming season and beyond.

Bring it on and see you Saturday. KO 3pm.