1st XV are back in action as they travel to Rossendale RUFC in their first match competing for the Papa John’s Community Cup. The 3rd XV welcome Hullensians to Kelleythorpe looking to top the league, and the 4th XV are on a bus trip to face Scunthorpe.
I believe this will be our first meeting with Rossendale, who finished third in Regional 1 North West, 14 points behind Lymm and Blackburn who both finished on 96 points. Rossendale won 16 and lost 6 in the league, having just the one loss at home against Blackburn.
The Papa John’s trophy gives us a chance of an outing at Twickenham. We had Alnwick, Rossendale and Dudley Kingswinford in our group, with the draw sending us to Rossendale and Dudley Kingswinford, and Alnwick coming to us. However, Dudley Kingswinford could not raise a team for their first fixture at Alnwick : I believe they informed the RFU, who awarded walk-overs for all their games. Very unfortunate, especially for Alnwick as that was their only home fixture in the group.
The boys are up for the challenge and, with only two fixtures before the next round, a positive result at Rossendale will set us up very nicely with Alnwick having to travel to us on Easter Saturday.
KO is 3pm at Rossendale – your support as usual is welcome and very much appreciated.
3rds welcome Hullensians to Kelleythorpe, looking to finish their season on the top of the Merit League, ensuring a good draw for the play-offs.
4ths travel to Scunthorpe.
Good luck to all in Blue, Black and White.