Fixtures and Results 2010 - 11 Club President Wolves Vikings Hawks 4ths. LGE N1W SU1 SU4S SU5E DAVID BARKER SEP 4 NORTHWICH W Sandbach W NORTHWICH W W 11 Sandbach W PENRITH L Macclesfield 4 W ALDWINIANS 5 L Welcomes 18 WEST ST H W West Pk. St. H W LYMM L 5 L 25 Wigton L L Kersal L BURNAGE L ALTRINCHAM KERSAL OCT 2 VALE OF LUNE L CARLISLE W KNUTSFORD 2 W N 2 L 9 WIRRAL W Blackburn W TH 4 L BURY 3 L 16 Altrincham Kersal L KENDAL W CREWE & N’WICH W Ashton u Lyne 2 W As I write these few words for what will be my penultimate effort for this excellent publication - the 23 BROUGHTON PK W Preston GH 3 W MV W 3 W sun is shining, the daffs are in full bloom and the trees are beginning to burst into bud. Spring is 30 Burnage L STOCKPORT 3 L MARPLE W Broughton Pk 5 W here at last with the promise of some firm grounds which should, in theory ,suit our style of NOV 4 LIVERPOOL ST. H L play. Last weekend we were splendidly entertained by LSH to a "Christmas Lunch", as our original NOV 6 MACCLESFIELD HWO OLDHAM W game which should have taken place on 27th November, was cancelled due to poor 13 KIRKBY L’SDALE W Leigh W Old Bedians W VIL’E SPARTANS 1 L 20 Leigh W MACCLESFIELD 3 L WHITCHURCH W Broughton 2 W weather. Unperturbed ,LSH decided to have the planned Christmas Lunch on March 26th with all the 27 LIVERPOOL ST H P Fylde 3 P ACTON NOMADS 1 P Heaton Moor 3 P trimmings - Father Christmas, fancy hats, presents under the tree and stand-up Bingo. Ray French DEC 4 New Brighton P P Didsbury TH P ASHTON U LYNE 3 P and his team were in fine form and looked after us wonderfully well. This is what rugby is all about - 11 SANDBACH L Penrith P MACCLESFIELD 4 P Aldwinians 5 W play hard, try to win but enjoy . After all long after the game is over results are often forgotten and 18 West Park St. H P WEST PARK ST. H P Lymm P STOCKPORT 5 P 25 only the friendships made and renewed are recalled. Indeed despite a long and eventful playing career at Pownall Park and elsewhere I find it very difficult to remember the score in any match save JAN 1 the occasional result of a representative game or a final!! On the field, LSH ran out fairly easy 8 WIGTON W BURNAGE L ALTRINCHAM K W Burnage L 15 Vale of Lune L Carlisle W Knutsford 2 L N MANCHESTER 2 W winners but only after we had contributed with some rather gormless play ourselves . 22 Wirral L BLACKBURN P DIDSBURY TH 4 W Bury 3 L 29 ALTRINCHAM K P Kendal P Crewe & Nantwich P ASHTON U LYNE 2 P Today we welcome the committee, supporters and players of AK to the Memorial Ground. This, once FEB 5 Broughton Park P PRESTON GH 3 W TRAFFORD MV W Dukinfield 3 W again, is a fixture postponed from 29th January and I see that I wrote in the programme for that day 12 LIVERPOOL ST. H L Fylde L Lymm L ASHTON U LYME W (not required) that I hoped that today's game is as good and competitive as the one played at Stelfox 19 BURNAGE W Stockport 3 L Marple L BROUGHTON PK 5 L 26 New Brighton L ROCHDALE W ACTON NOMADS W Hearon Moor L Avenue on 16th October. That we lost 33 -32 was a blow, but the manner in which we played gave all those that were there a real buzz. Before that game several of us were very kindly entertained to MAR 5 Kirkby Lonsdale L LEIGH L OLE BEDIANS W Spartans 1 W lunch to celebrate the 80th birthday of Alex Forbes and I hope that both he and his wife Jean are 12 LEIGH D Macclesfield 3 W Whitchurch W BROUGHTON 2 W 19 West Park (St. H) W WEST PARK W Didsbury TH W here today to enjoy our own hospitality. Since then AK have continued on their way, winning most of 26 Liverpool St. H L FYLDE 3 W Acton Nomads 1 W HEATON MOOR 3 W their games and currently stand at the top of our League. We wish them well should they move up to APR 2 ALTRINCHAM KER North 1 but on the other hand we will miss them and the many friends we have made at AK over the 9 NEW BRIGHTON Rochdale DIDSBURY TH 3 ASHTON U LYNE 3 years. If the last few games we had have with them are anything to go by, I am sure that we are in 16 Northwich SANDBACH Northwich OLDHAM 23 Broughton Park for a feast of open running rugby.

Last weekend we had the Wilmslow Half-Marathon, brilliantly organised by our own Maurice Minns Senior Colts (U19s) and Les Rayner. A huge turnout on a wonderful spring day ensured a big crowd and a splendid race. A big THANK YOU to all those who helped to make the day such a great success, especially the Raging Bull Senior Colts League : Division A aforementioned Maurice and also our car parking 'Obergroupenfurhers' Kit and Jane Clucas SEP 5 CALDY W DEC 5 KENDAL P Mar 6 League Cup Rd. 1 12 Macclesfield W 12 Sandbach P 13 Turning to the engine room of the club - the 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams- I am delighted to be able to say 19 LYMM L 19 VALE OF LUNE P 20 League Cup Rd. 2 26 Kendal C 26 27 Cheshire Cup SF 'Veni Vidi Vici'. Tim (marathon man) Medwell's team had a find win against Fylde 26 -12 and stand 4th in the League equal on points with 3rd placed Kendal. Yip Yap's 3rd team had an excellent win OCT 3 SANDBACH C JAN 2 Kendal W APR 3 League Cup SF 10 Vale of Lune C 9 Widnes W 10 at Acton Nomads 23 - 21 and currently lie in 2nd place some 17 points adrift of Lymm. I gather a 17 WIDNES W 16 ALTRINCHAM K L 17 League Cup F winning try in the last seconds from some 20 yds by Sammy "Sidestep" Leach was the crucial try 24 Altrincham K L 23 Preston GH 24 which won the game. Lastly but by no means least a great win was recorded by the 4th team at 31 SANDBACH W 30 Caldy Heaton Moor 24 -18 reversing a big loss earlier on in the season. They stand a very creditable 7th in NOV 7 PRESTON GH W FEB 6 Cheshire Cup Rd. 2 MAY 1 Cheshire Cup F their League which, from what was a difficult start to the season for them, is highly commendable. 14 MACCLESFIELD W 13 8 Cock o’ the North F 21 Lymm L 20 League Cup Prel. Rd. 28 Cheshire Cup Rd. 1 P 27 Finally we now all look forward to the Junior Festival taking place for the first time over 2 days 16th and 17th April. Please all come down and support this wonderful occasion and let us hope for some sunshine and splendid weather. NORTH 1 WEST : http://www.rfu.com : httpe://www.rugbyroundup.com NORTH WEST UNIVERSITY OF INTERMEDIATE LEAGUES : http://www.rfu.com : http://www.nowirul.org.uk COLTS : http://www.rfu.com : http://www.colts-rugby.org.uk Many thanks to Miami, alias Geoff Knight, for this submission. Less anyone feels offended, it’s supposed to be satire and comedy and has been approved for publication by 2010 - 2011 SEASON Hon. President Club Captain the club’s webmaster general, who is not at all concerned that there may indeed be Wilmslow RUFC David Barker Mike Clifford Kings Road Immediate Past President Vice Captain something of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde about himself. Wilmslow Jonty Fallows Bob MacCallum SK9 5PZ Hon. Club Chairman Director of Rugby Before anyone complains, I have used my editorial prerogative to Dave Scanlon Daz Lucas include only part of it today, limiting it to one page, and the Tel : 01625 522274 Hon. Secretary Club Coach Barry Fisher Giles Heagerty remainder will follow next week. Hon. Treasurer Vikings Captain Tony Kersh Tim Medwell Hawks Captain Cave ab homine unius libri (Part 1) Club Website Matt Hamilton Beware of anyone who has just one book. www pitchero.com/clubs/wilmslow Ravens Captain Andy Duggan Your editor asked me and others for reflections on the current season and though I would like to reflect I would prefer to outline some observations of certain people I have come into contact Magazine Editor and Club Press Officer : David Pike with during the past season. If you have seen the film ‗Invasion of the body snatchers‘ then you'll Tel : 01625 525616 : 07886 588524 : [email protected] be with me when I say, "There are some people at the club who seem to be plants!" I don't mean the green vegetable type (but then again there is Andy Duggan!) Wilmslow RUFC is an What I mean is that some people seem to be a copy of a real person though with something SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS 2010-11 open community slightly odd about them. I‘m going to reflect on a few slightly off centre but likeable stalwarts. With a view to outlining just a few I have considered a recommended book for each that may help based club, offering a Alan Lang : All U Need to adjust the slight imbalance in their lives. game to anyone Allied Corporate Finance coming through the Barrington Sports : B Clarke I would like to begin with Alan Hill. I like Alan but he is clearly a Bond villain stroking a white gates from the age of Belverdale Construction cat, thumbing through his hit list of non paying players. He is a stereotype of a membership six upwards - with no Beauchamp Charles : Bengal Tiger Lilyy Mafioso - all Cuban cigars and housekeepers called Tonya. I see him with a private collection of upper age limit. Byrom plc : Canterbury : Chapel Interiors eastern Europeans working in his house for 2 shillings an hour and a manservant from the Balkans Chelsea Flowers : easyfish : Eden Deli FGP : called Stavros who whilst wearing a ‗mankini‘ serves him champagne and caviar. The book I Nevertheless, Gascoigne Halman : gas-elec would choose for Alan is 'The Prince' by Niccolo Machiavelli. subscriptions and bar Gemma Jones Photography : Glaisyers receipts are just not Gusto Alderley Edge : KPMD Group This club is just like any other, a microcosm of colourful characters – the weird and the wonderful sufficient to maintain Lee Floorstok : Loch Fyne Restaurants rubbing shoulders with the good and the great. Let‘s quickly consider the WRUFC Pitchero web the wonderful sports page, less I forget. When the picture rolls round to the Developmental team, who is centre frame Michael J Chapman field we have here. in the picture with the tagline which suggests proudly ―Bringing on New Talent‖??? Daz Lucas!. Morley Green Garden Centre : Motrax Oddbins : P J Design : Printerland.co.uk Another copy of a real person is our illustrious Chairman, Jedi Master Scanlon. Now call me old We, therefore, Royles Jaguar : S C & P Jones fashioned but I think his other hobby apart from rugby is barking at cars on the new by-pass! The acknowledge and Slater Heelis : Stationery Solutions man has a heart of solid gold and is probably the best thing that's happened to the club in my time thank all those Stigs Barbers Shop : TD Holiday Options at Wilmslow. I get the feeling there's actually two of them, yes two Dave Scanlon‘s - twins and individuals and The Farmers Arms : The Horse and Jockey they take it in turns to turn up. One is a nice friendly altruistic human being; the other is an evil organisations, who The Lighting and Interiors Group twin who relishes conflict and cheesy wot sits! I should give him respect as our honourable have supported the TNN Taxi & Chauffeur Services chairman but come on folks, is it only me that sees that mad look in the eye of a man who's ready club, the teams and The Vets’ Place to negotiate with Colonel Gadaffi. He's nice, he's angry; he loves everyone, he's angry - too many the players this The Wilmslow Half Marathon blue Smarties and Haribo Starmix, I suspect. Recommend read - 'Catch 22' by Joseph Heller or season either by TWP Financial Planning maybe ‗Brave New World‘ by Aldous Huxley for his evil twin! sponsorship, Wheatsheaf Press : Wilmslow IT

advertising or Wilmslow Chiropractic Clinic This brings me onto the enigma that is first team coach, Giles Heagerty, Ravens captain Andy donation. Without Duggan (call me ‗Che‘) and Kevin Nolan. Has he ever been human? Wilmslow Electrical : Wilmslow Glass them we just would Find out Miami‘s reflections on these three next week. not be here. Saturday 12th. March 2011 North 1 West Wilmslow 17 – 17 Leigh

Wilmslow scored twice in the last ten minutes of this match to salvage a draw but that can’t disguise the fact that for much of the preceding seventy minutes, they had been outplayed by a Leigh side, hovering in or just above the league’s relegation zone.

Leigh haven’t won at The Memorial Ground for around ten years, suffering some notable reverses along the way. It’s become something of a bogey ground for them and they must have left it last Saturday wondering exactly what they have to do to win. If they’d taken just a fraction of the chances they created they would have won by the proverbial country mile but there was an anxiety in their play, born out of a hard struggle in a tough league this season. On more than one occasion the final pass just wouldn’t go to hand and nor did they possess the ideas or pace for the most part to break down a stubborn Wolves defence.

Wilmslow’s troubles stem from having to play, with the exception of the skipper Mike Clifford and the recalled veteran Alex McLennan, a young inexperienced and underpowered pack, injuries to older more experienced players having taken its toll. It’s generally held that front row forwards are at their most effective at around thirty years old, when they have mastered the arts of the position, have developed their full strength and are still mobile enough to run around the pitch. Of the ten players, who have appeared in the front row this season only one falls into that category. The youngsters will get better as they mature but for now the raw courage and commitment, they offer is just not enough. They tackled throughout as though their very lives depended on it but it is instructive that half the tries scored against the Wolves in recent weeks have come from ‘catch and drive’ situations, which they have just not been able to resist. It’s devilishly difficult to legally stop a driving maul so you have to prevent it from getting any momentum in its early stages by binding together tight and low. Add to that, frailties in both scrum and lineout and the side soon finds that it is playing with less than 50% of the possession. In contrast, the backs, orchestrated by the evergreen Bob MacCallum, used the limited ball that came their way very well. Ricky Chadwick and Mike Black in the centre are growing into a dangerous combination, Ben Day never put a foot wrong at fullback and Elliot Brierley on the right wing was simply outstanding. Early on he produced a cameo of the highest class, taking a pass to swerve outside his opponent before changing his angle of run, straightening and then changing his pace to allow others to catch up before off loading with a perfectly timed pass. That piece of skill was worth the entrance money alone.

The match had been going only three minutes, when the Wilmslow forwards were turned over in mid field and Leigh contrived to drop the ball close to the Wilmslow line, when they had acres of room and spare players, any one of whom could have scored. MacCallum landed a fourth minute penalty to open the scoring, when the Wolves broke out of defence but Leigh were soon back in the box seat. Number 8, Calvin Crompton was held up over the line and then Leigh centre, Ryan McInstrey, ran round the defence to his right to touch down on seventeen minutes. In the absence of Leigh’s regular kicker, Terry Knapman, second row Mark Welsh stepped up to knock over the conversion. Another clear cut opportunity for Leigh went begging just before the half hour, when their Number 10, Darren Leach was yellow carded for a high tackle. The single blemish on MacCallum’s afternoon followed when he missed from thirty yards in front of the posts and the Wolves then failed to capitalise on their one man advantage. No sooner had Leach reappeared than a misfired Wolves clearance kick gave Leigh the chance to set up a ‘catch and drive’ position. Their lineout had hitherto been rock solid and they made no mistake to extend their lead on the cusp of half time, hooker Ian Wood getting the touchdown.

The visitors continued to enjoy the greater share of possession throughout the second half but all they could achieve for their efforts was a second Ian Wood third try from a driving maul. In part, this was due to a lack of ideas and inability to put any pace on the ball and in part to the determined resolute tackling from the Wolves, just as it looked that they had to succumb to the pressure. A decent sized crowd couldn’t help but be enthralled by the intensity of what was going on.

And then, when all seemed lost, a blatant bit of obstruction as the Wolves mounted an attack, gave scrum half, Stuart Lindsay, the chance to take a quick short penalty and to score under the posts. Revitalised the Wolves came again, this time through Brierley, now in the centre, who weaved his way upfield before delivering the final pass to Tom Raynor on the left wing. Raynor doesn’t always look as though he has sufficient belief in his undoubted potential but this time the way ahead was clear for him to score. The ice cool MacCallum landed a very missable conversion to secure a share of the points.

There was still time for the Wolves to mount a final attack but when that broke down, the Polskiego Zwiazku Rugby exchange referee from Gdansk, Marcin Zeszutek, brought proceedings to a close. He had officiated consistently throughout with a minimum of whistle and the exhausted players had responded by playing to their limits. That’s how it should be. And the Wolves, well, it’s proving to be a difficult run in for them and they were fortunate to get out of jail. We were robbed said a disconsolate visitor from Leigh and few would disagree.

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Knutsford IT ♦ 31 Tatton St. ♦ Knutsford Telephone 01565 650022 ♦ [email protected] Once again the Half Marathon was blessed with a mild early spring day. There was hardly a breath of wind, the daffodils were in full bloom and a capacity LEIGH of field of around 4500 runners could hardly have asked for anything more—unless you were a Kenyan, of course, who might have found the conditions just a mite chilly. Nevertheless they took three of the top four positions, showing that when it comes to marathons and the like, there are few who can compare with them.

Out on the course, Dave Attwell from Altrincham AC, had set himself up at the twelve mile mark to call out the exact time to runners as they started their last mile. That was easy enough when the leaders were passing in just ones or twos but probably well nigh impossible when the main herd passed through. Dave had run his first marathon back in the 1960s and had run in the first ever Wilmslow Half Marathon in 1984, when he told me it had been run to raise funds for the rugby club‘s centenary tour to South Africa. How things have changed!

Also on the course, limping home as an early finisher with some kind of fetlock problem was Martin Daulby, who had played in the Wilmslow back row in the 1980s. He still looked fit enough to play today but told me that his son was now on the Kersal U12s.

The international appeal of the race was illustrated by the visitor I spoke to from Kassell, in central Germany, who told me that his wife was amongst a party of thirty, who had flown in especially for the race and had been billeted out with various families in Sale.

The MI5 man, emblazoned with a vest marked security, at the top of Kings Road, told me when I asked that he was in charge of ensuring the race met the council‘s health and safety regulations, which entailed having procedures in the event of a terrorist attack or having to evacuate the area because of a bomb threat to residents, amongst other more mundane requirements imposed by beauracy. Sadly, he added that road races in other parts of the country had had to be abandoned because the organisers hadn‘t been able to satisfy the regulations. It just serves to emphasise the enormous amount of organising that has to be undertaken and how essential it is that there are sufficient volunteers all around the course to marshall and supervise events.

And all along the route, people stood and cheered the runners as they WEST PARK passed. Everything was good natured and the atmosphere was terrific.

LIVERPOOL ST. HELENS AVIVA WORLD CUP 2011

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18th. September England v Georgia TBRA Wales v Samoa V Hamilton

24th. September England v Romania Dunedin GLOUCESTER 25th. September Argentina v Scotland TBRA Ireland v Russia Rotorua

26th. September Wales v Namibia New Plymouth

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LINDOW PARADE CHAPEL LANE WILMSLOW Tel 01625 526532 U14S

The U14s play Macclesfield here for a place in the final of the Cheshire Cup tomorrow morning, KO 10.15am. That’s not bad going at all for an age group, which before Christmas was struggling to raise a side. The effort put in by the coaches and players to recruit has paid off marvellously and great credit is due to all of them. Since January, they have won seven out of eight fixtures and are clearly the form side. Best of luck to them against the ‘auld enemy’.

Minis in the Cheshire Cup

Pride of place this season goes to the U10s who won their competition, reports Junior Section Chairman, Nick Evans. Sandbach played host to this age group. The pitches were in fabulous condition and the sun just peeked out to see a great day of rugby. 32 teams from 22 clubs competed. Wilmslow were there in force. Wilmslow 2, played hard and never gave up but eventually were knocked out in the Semi final of the Cheshire Trophy. Wilmslow 1, went on to beat Macclesfield in the final to win the Cup, conceding only 1 try in all their 6 matches. A deserving result for a great squad and their ever faithful family and friend supporters. Wolves fans congregate at LSH The U7s, 8s and 9s all took two teams to their respective tournaments, giving them names such as Coyotees, Tigers, last weekend Lions, Vikings, Warriors and, of course, Wolves.

The Wolves and Coyotees (U7s) were both eliminated by Wirral and Winnington Park in their quarter final matches. The Lions and Tigers (U8s) went to Macclesfield, where the Lions won all their group matches but fell to Lymm in twenty point penalty, is nothing short the next round. of miraculous or have they forsaken their ‘no pay to play’ policy. The U9s had a good day at Chester, coming third out of thirty teams. The Vikings string finished third out of thirty Time to welcome back Rochdale to teams, going out after drawing against Lymm on a try count. The Warriors though won their Bowl competition our league next season after an It’s still wide open in the North against Northwich and now look forward to tournaments at Harrogate and here at Wilmslow. absence of just two years. They’ve Lancs/Cumbrian league with clearly had a rotten time of it in Fleetwood, Aspatria and Heaton The U11s unfortunately were seriously denuded by a clash with a school skiing trip but still managed to emerge National 3 North with only one win Moor battling it out. The first two from their group, only to lose to Macc in the next round. to their credit this season. will probably take it to the very last but the runners up will then face It’s been between Anselmians and Widnes away. Heaton Moor will Widnes in SLC1. They are so far have to settle for another season at That Was the Season That Was ahead of all the others that you this level. wonder how they’ve done it. It looks Paddy Mulchrone like the Anselmians v Widnes match And whoever, the runners up are in on 16th. April will be the decider. this league, it looks like a play off The year is 2000. A rainy Sunday November morning on the Jim Evison field watching Wilmslow Widnes also have an awkward for them away at Percy Park. Just Under 14s secure another stylish victory under the watchful gaze of coach Grant McKechnie and looking away fixture at Sale, whose what you’d want to finish with! his crew. Fast forward 10 years to Friday, November 5th, 2010. I’m at Edgeley Park with two recent resurgence, in shaking off a tickets to see Fergus make his Sale Sharks 1st XV starting debut (at 12) against my old club London Irish in the LV=Cup. Bad news: bounced from my main stand seat by an enthusiastic mother-in-law What Connects Billy to the cheap seats at the open end behind the posts. Good news: Ferg scored between the sticks Williams’s Cabbage Patch about 20ft in front of me, helping them to a 39-14 win. Pride? Words fail me. To all those serving And with the Aviva Stadium in their time on the junior touchlines: Dare to dream...you never know. his brother Charlie’s not bad, either. Dublin? Please email your ‘That Was The Season That Was’ moment to the editor for inclusion in next week’s magazine 1000 years of rugby experience graced the Memorial Ground on St. Patrick’s Day evening, writes Dave Scanlon, to celebrate Alan (A.K.A) ‘Sammy Leach’s 50th. Birthday.

In a celebration of pure rugby, it was an honour to host a game where friends of the seventies, eighties, nineties, and noughties came together to relive moments of past glory. Whilst the game was important the other traditions of rugby were also upheld: camaraderie and friendship in the bar.

With the fantastic new facilities available at the Rugby club it always great when they are used for what makes rugby great. Singing, tall stories, and good humour where the order of the day with one comment being ‘It was like being transported back to heydays of amateur rugby in the 1970’s.’ As well as Specialists in celebrating Sammy’s 34 years of Domestic Extension rugby with the club we were also able to make a dream come true for Design two other stalwarts of the club: the Barltrop brothers Chris and Mike P J Design (Captains from the 1980’s and 84 Chapel Lane 1990’s) were able play together Wilmslow with the latest of the Barltrop line of rugby talent Johny (Even if it was Tel. 01625 523180 only for a short time!!)

Paul Sheridon In terms of the game, we think Wishes the Wolves Sammy’s team won but no-one was quite sure!! What was much in every success in evidence was the old Wah-Wah 2010-11 tradition of cheating, when the referee isn’t watching, and then calling out the other team: many great exponents of this lost dark art graced the field. Given the number of cheats on the field, I’m surprised that Tari and Graham were able referee at all: the offside line wasn’t respected, particularly by the roving flankers and the dark arts of handling the ball on the ground made the game resemble rugby from the 80’s!! Luckily we had the finest of linesmen to bring some order to the game, courtesy of Paddy Mulchrone, remembering the day, Shamrock and Guinness to hand .

After Fran’s fine food and Keith’s usual quality of ale the evening was set up perfectly for the entertainment from Ceri and Jonners. The songs went on long and proud in venues across the region, Contact : Tony Kersh the consumption of much beer and rugby talk led early the next PO Box 595 morning to a 50% take up for the next Veterans Tour to the Macclesfield Eternal City itself. SK10 9HF Telephone : 01625 500090 Civitas aeterna expectat as Geoff Knight would say. Saturday 12th. March ALTRINCHAM KERSAL Macclesfield 10 - 11 Vikings Last Autumn’s fixture at Stelfox Avenue will almost certainly be remembered as Whitchurch 19 - 26 Developmentals one of the best games of the season. Empathetically refereed by the exchange Ravens 64 - 5 Broughton South African referee from Durham, who allowed the game to flow, it turned into Leagues : Division 1 Saturday 19th. March an absolute thriller. When Kersal went 18 points clear after thirty minutes through Team P W D L F A Diff Pts Adj Vikings 34—22 West Park tries from Dylan O’Grady and Paul Edwards and two Chris Stewart penalties, it Burnage 2nd XV 24 21 1 2 912 237 675 88 0 Didsbury TH 19—29 Developmentals looked as though the Wolves were onto a big hiding. Not a bit of it. Back they Penrith RFC A XV 21 17 0 4 716 275 441 72 0 Saturday 26th. March came before half time with a try from Stuart Lindsey and a conversion and penalty Vikings 26—10 Fylde from Bob MacCallum and then just after the break a flowing back move saw Kendal 2nd XV 21 13 0 8 589 438 151 60 0 Acton Nomads 21—23 Developmentals Matthew King go over in the corner to make it 18-15 in the try of the game. The Wilmslow 2nd XV 21 13 0 8 462 417 45 60 0 Ravens 24—18 Heaton Moor remainder of the game was slugged out with Kersal’s hooker John Geddis scoring Stockport 3rd XV 21 12 0 9 398 427 -29 57 0 twice and Stewart adding a third penalty as Wilmslow responded with converted tries from Ben Day and Lewis McKay Sandbach 2nd XV 21 11 0 10 669 434 235 54 0 and a second penalty from MacCallum. When time was called, it was Kersal who led by the single point out of sixty Our 2nd., 3rd. and 4th. strings have five in a game in which the big winner was really the game of rugby itself. If the players of both sides can put on a Rochdale 2nd XV 23 10 1 12 423 624 -201 54 0 enjoyed the spring thus far, all of the repeat this afternoon, then we’ll be in for some excitement. Preston Grasshoppers 3rd XV 22 10 0 12 452 569 -117 52 0 sides unbeaten since our last magazine Leigh 2nd XV 21 10 0 11 412 430 -18 51 0 Since that day AK have continued to ‘wax’, their single defeat coming a fortnight ago away at Northwich, whilst was published. Wilmslow have probably on balance ‘waned’, as players have left the club, mostly for work reasons, and others have Carlisle Crusaders (2nd XV) 20 10 0 10 392 496 -104 50 0 been side lined by injury. Last weekend though AK got back to winning ways with an unsurprising convincing away Macclesfield 3rd XV 21 10 0 11 413 444 -31 48 -2 The Developmentals start this afternoon win at Kirkby Lonsdale. There were tries for Peter Nichols, Simon Edwards, Rich Harding and two for No. 8 Dean Fylde Saracens (3rd XV) 23 7 2 14 457 639 -182 43 -2 in second place in their league and it Harris. Chris Stuart landed four conversions and a penalty. Dylan O’Grady played in the second row. They remain at Blackburn 2nd XV 21 3 0 18 207 598 -391 26 -2 will be an injustice if they eventually the top of the league, promotion to National 3 North virtually assured, providing they win two of their remaining four miss out on promotion because of the matches. They should be congratulated on their achievement thus far. The stats show that they have the meanest West Park (St Helens) 2nd XV 22 2 0 20 229 703 -474 25 -2 defensive record in the league, bar one, three players in the top twenty points scorers and only LSH have scored more two league points deducted as a result of points. University of Salford Leagues : Division 4 South a ‘cock up’ over uncontested scrummaging. Matt Hamilton and his Team P W D L F A Diff Pts Adj The Wolves though have shown this season that on their day, they can surprise anyone with sparkling attacking rugby. players feel that they were the victims Lymm 3rd XV 22 21 0 1 697 217 480 85 0 They dismantled Burnage not so long ago and spoilt Kersal’s promotion hopes last season, when they came here on a of sharp practice when Bedians turned hot April day. I’m sure Mike Clifford would dearly love to administer another dose of the same medicine today if he Wilmslow 3rd XV 22 16 0 6 662 338 324 68 -2 up on 5th. March without a front row gets the chance. The margins have been very fine all season and although AK will be the clear favourites, the Wolves Altrincham Kersal 3rd XV 20 15 0 5 646 275 371 65 0 and then recruited a player from the shouldn’t be written off. It’s a great opportunity for Giles Heagerty’s young side to show once again what they can rise Trafford MV 3rd XV 24 13 1 10 518 548 -30 64 0 to. touchline without telling the Marple 3rd XV 20 12 0 8 497 299 198 56 0 Developmentals what they had done. Kersal then have three away games to come, including LSH on 16th. April, which looks as though it could be a ‘winner Whitchurch 3rd XV 20 10 0 10 494 394 100 50 0 takes all’ occasion, although LSH last weekend were rather of the view that they had blown their chance when losing Old Bedians 2nd XV 23 9 0 14 359 525 -166 50 0 Tim Medwell was delighted with the at home in an ill tempered match against Burnage. It would all have to go very pear shaped for the front runners to Didsbury Toc H 4th XV 23 9 0 14 383 720 -337 50 0 Vikings ‘gritty’ win against Macc. It allow another in form side Northwich a look in as their remaining five games all look very winnable. Crewe and Nantwich 3rd XV 22 9 0 13 296 591 -295 49 0 was an ugly affair but good to see such Northwich 3rd XV 21 9 0 12 439 532 -93 48 0 players as Tom Noot and Steven Beard turning out. Their match winning try Didsbury Toc H 3rd XV 21 8 1 12 390 391 -1 46 0 was scored by Pudsey, proving Acton Nomads 22 8 0 14 319 408 -89 46 0 unstoppable from a driving maul. Knutsford 2nd XV 21 6 1 14 352 601 -249 36 -2 Macclesfield 4th XV 19 3 1 15 247 460 -213 25 -3 He was less pleased with their win against West Park, feeling that they University of Salford Leagues : Division 5 East should have been put away far more Team P W D L F A Diff Pts Adj convincingly. A word though about Broughton Park 5th XV 21 16 0 5 903 350 553 69 0 Liam McCrae, back from injury, kicking ahead, gathering his own kick Bury 3rd XV 20 15 1 4 673 257 416 66 0 and outpacing everyone to score. Not North Manchester 2nd XV 22 14 0 8 681 412 269 64 0 bad for a little rotund prop! Oldham 4th XV 20 14 0 6 628 370 258 62 0 Burnage 4th XV 21 13 2 6 510 418 92 62 0 Against Fylde last weekend he had Village Spartans 20 12 0 8 658 427 231 59 3 plenty to smile about - a new back row Wilmslow 4th XV 22 12 0 10 616 528 88 58 0 player listed as ‘Baakkies Botha’, must Heaton Moor 3rd XV 22 11 1 10 528 467 61 55 0 be Dutch or German with a name like Stockport 5th XV 21 8 0 13 381 494 -113 45 0 that, the return of Nigel Burger Jones Ashton-Under-Lyne 2nd XV 21 7 0 14 435 545 -110 40 0 and Josh Longmore, and excellent Aldwinians 5th XV 22 5 0 17 316 1017 -701 37 0 showings from Jimmy Byers and Chris Price. A win at Kendal today would see Dukinfield 3rd XV 21 4 0 17 335 728 -393 33 0 them into 3rd. Place. Lewis McKay flattens Chris Stewart on his way to score the Wolves Broughton 2nd XV 21 4 0 17 223 874 -651 17 -13 final try at Kersal last October. All good stuff. With the majority of the season behind us, and just a few games left of the season, it is worth looking back a little and reflecting on my first season as Chairman. My last piece, earlier in the season, reflected upon some of the early experiences: I have a little more experience now. Still enjoying it.

On a Saturday I have general watched the mercurial Wolves (moments of sheer brilliance followed by the other stuff), the exasperating Vikings (the pattern of last minute losses to Macc recently put in the past with an away victory), the promotion hunting Wolves Development side (winning with emerging talent and past experience) and the virgin season Ravens (with an unstoppable force in their centre!!). Seeing all teams in the top half of leagues and Wolves Development still threatening promotion has to be seen as success: we can always ask for more but that’s for next year. Must admit I have some good photographs too – hope everyone has enjoyed them.

Much against Clare’s wishes, I came out of retirement. On the field I had to come to the rescue for a couple of weeks as playing stocks got low, along with others adding my past experience to the emerging talent. I also had the opportunity to grace the field with many of my old ‘Vets’ mates and new ‘Ravens’ mates for a few more games: one memorable ‘Scanners’ tackles is still talked about with the younger ‘Ravens.’ I am now retired again. It may be that I resign from committee more often than I retire: time will tell on that one!

On a Sunday, one of the true great pleasures this season, I have learned about the Sunday stuff. I have watched the pleasure of Kiwi’s U6’s, how he manages 30 plus kids I just don’t know. Seeing the U7’s-U9’s progress with The Official amazingly committed coaches has been brilliant, only occasionally have I had to mediate to create more space for Studs U9’s! The U10’s, now Cheshire Champions, have one of the best managed and co-ordinated teams. I only brought Wilmslow Rugby Club Shop Shorts bad luck to the U15’s and U16’s both losing Cheshire cup games they should both have won,when I was on the Gloves touchline. I have photographic evidence that the U16’s crossed line 4 times and never scored. The U13’s and U14’s are different stories: one a brilliant story of committed leaders recruiting new players and still with a chance of Open Polo Shirts silverware and the U13s a story of committed ladies sorting out the boys and men. That leaves the U12’s squad, Saturdays Replica Kit which my son tried out when he was 7 and 10, winning most of their games and the U11s. There has also been a talented colts team, many of whom played in the semi final of The Daily Mail Schools Cup with the High School and 1.30pm 5.00pm Headguards hopefully some of them will soon be seen in the senior sides. Sundays Training Tops

The highlights of the year for me, outside the rugby, can be described very easily: the bar banter from virtually 10.30am - 1.30pm Shoulder Pads everyone which keeps my feet firmly on the ground (so much for respecting leaders!!); the best ever ‘Players Club Ties and Shirts Reunion’ - one in which rugby didn’t interfere with the fun (game was cancelled); a reminder of what rugby is all about, timing just right for me, at Sammy’s 50th Birthday game (long live banter, camaraderie, and singing); the game I was stupid enough to say I would prop for Vikings (only to be reprieved 90 minutes before game – I would not have survived). Off the field progress has continued. We now have over 400 members who get regular progress and match reports through pitchero: we even now have tarmac!

It all sounds very positive and on the whole it has been, despite the inevitable niggles and occasional outbursts that Club and Ground Hire at The Memorial Ground you have to expect. I hope you the members think that the club is doing OK and I look forward to your attendance at the Annual General Meeting to hear directly. We can help you to organise…………

Children’s Parties : Corporate Events : Business Meetings Wedding Receptions : Special Occasions

Function Rooms and Playing Fields Fully Licensed with optional bar extensions : Catering BBQ Equipment : Car Park : Audio and Visual Facilities Large TV Screen : 1000 Watt PA and Lighting

CONTACT : KEITH BOOTH TEL 01625 522274 Wolves Appearances and Point May I extend a warm welcome to one of our oldest Scorers : 2010 - 11 opponents, in the shape of Kersal, presumably

from North Manchester in those days. 112 years

ago, on 22nd October 1898, Wilmslow beat Kersal 9- 3, with tries from C.Williams and Larmouth and a

penalty from Tom Hough. I am delighted to add

that Tom’s grandson, John, was here a few weeks

Totals

Drop Drop Goald

Tries

Conversions Penalties

Appearances ago and that his son in law, Geoff Mitchell is still to

Marc Baldrey 4 be seen watching games. Elliot Brierley 13 6 35 Kersal were also the first fixture following our re- Mark Bartlam 7 forming in 1923 when we lost at home 3-21. It Mike Black 10 would be nice to think that Tom was again on the Jimmy Byers 1 2 10 score sheet but, sadly, the mists of time have Ricky Chadwick 21 2 10 erased the details of the game. I do have, Dominic Clancy 20 however, a press report from the following Chris Clarke 3 season, a loss 3-11. Scorers for Kersal were Mike Clifford 22 1 5 Marsden, Thompson and Cadman and the sole Wilmslow points came from a try by Pop Rob Cowley 17 1 5 Proctor, whose son-in-law, Geoff Mitchell, is also here today. The reporter was less than Ben Day 19 6 1 32 complimentary to Gleave, the full back, “who did not impress” and he also gave some advice, Alex Donaldson 12 1 5 “High tackling and neck grabbing is most unorthodox. Tackle low, and down the man is one Tom Hall 8 of the A.B.C. axioms of the game.” Words as relevant today as they were 86 years ago. Despite the early relationship, Kersal, later Altrincham/Kersal vanished from our fixture list Adam Hewitt 5 for many years and only returned in season 1992-93 – a Wilmslow loss 10-16. Danny Jones 4 Danny Kennedy 10 3 15 Dublin, March 2011 Jordan Kennedy 8 4 20 The new Lansdowne Road rugby ground, now the Aviva” arena, is a beautifully designed James Keys 5 building but, and it is a big but, it is built on a similar area to the old ground, so the Matthew King 19 11 55 architects have had to build up, rather than out. Our seats were five stories up and cost 90 Chris Lee 21 2 10 Euros. They were looking down on the dead ball line at the north end of the ground and one Harrison Lewis 6 could hardly recognise the players. There were at least another five stories, so one can only Chris Lillie 14 15 75 imagine what size the players looked like from there. To get into the ground, a new system has been invented to avoid the crush on Lansdowne Road and one has to walk about a mile Stuart Lindsey FINE BENGALI & 15 3 15 through a housing estate to get in. To get out one had to return the same way, as an army of Josh Longmore 14 5 6 27 jobsworths barred any other exit. The toilets are few and far between and one has to go in INDIAN CUISINE Ollie Longmore 10 1 5 and out of the same entrances. Why can’t these architects design a one-way system – at Bob MacCallum 21 3 33 41 189 5.00 p.m., most spectators had been imbibing for several hours and there were huge queues. Even had England won, these privations would not have endeared me to the ground, but the Restaurant and Lewis MacKay 18 4 20 loss merely put the cap on the evening. Alex McLennan Take Away Menus 2 Liam McCrea 7 Thankfully, the Irish once again lived up to their billing as good winners and only a few of Paul Noone 3 Congleton Rd. them mentioned that we had been beaten by them at rugby and cricket within two weeks. I Tom Noot 6 1 5 suggest that any prospective visitors for the game in 2013 should make all the usual Nether Alderley Adam Parkinson 4 arrangements for travel and hotel, and then watch the game in a bar. SK10 4TD Ryan Parkinson 16 3 15 The price of Guinness was a surprise, being only about £4.60. I had heard it was around Chris Price 2 two pounds more, but was told that the government wanted to keep the population in good Tel 01625 890379/890560 Tom Raynor 4 2 10 spirits, despite the terrible financial situation in Ireland, by keeping the bars going. They Alex Taylor 14 were full and the pile of empty barrels outside Jury’s Hotel bore mute testimony to the Jamie Thomas 4 quantity of the black stuff consumed. www.bengaltigerlily.com Craig Stewart 6 1 5 [email protected] Having been to all the International grounds except Cardiff, I can say that the Stade de Jack Walmsley 13 France is the best for spectators, ease of exit and speed back into the city, but for the best Matt Williams 2 weekend, despite what I have written, Dublin is still the king. Dan Wright 3

th Northern Division Saturday 26 . March 2011 North 1 West Liverpool St. Helens 41 -27 Wilmslow League North 1 West Liverpool St. Helens duly completed the double over Wilmslow last weekend in a game, which was a virtual mirror image of the first meeting between these two sides six weeks ago. Just as they did then, LSH created a commanding Team P W D L F A Diff B Pts Pts Adjt TODAY’S OTHER lead by half time and then came close to being undone by a spirited Wilmslow revival in the last quarter. Between them ten tries were scored, six by LSH and four by the Wolves, securing them a losing bonus point, which was Altrincham Kersal 22 19 2 1 618 241 377 13 93 0 MATCHES probably the least they deserved. Liverpool St Helens 24 19 1 4 740 400 340 13 91 0 Northwich v Leigh ‘We knew from our previous meeting exactly how LSH would play and what they would do, said Wilmslow coach Burnage 23 19 1 3 533 258 275 10 88 0 Giles Heagerty afterwards, but we just couldn’t consistently do what we’d talked about beforehand. It was probably the right result, he admitted, even though we showed that at times we are as good a rugby playing side as any in our Northwich 22 17 0 5 512 234 278 11 79 0 Sandbach v league. It’s a hard game though and once again, we didn’t show the mental toughness to concentrate and to apply Kirkby Lonsdale ourselves for the full eighty minutes. Some of the players need to consciously protect the ball better in contact Vale of Lune 22 14 1 7 583 347 236 11 69 0 situations, others have to avoid falling off tackles and they need to become harder with each other. Decent sides like Wilmslow 22 10 1 11 512 500 12 11 53 0 Vale of Lune v Wirral LSH will fully exploit such deficiencies.’

Wirral 22 10 0 12 436 401 35 10 50 0 West Park It was a match that was effectively won and lost in a ten minute spell midway through the first half when LSH scored three tries in quick succession. Taking the ball cleanly at successive restarts, they simply broke through a Wilmslow Broughton Park 22 8 1 13 492 529 -37 12 46 0 (St. Helens) v defence which went awol in quick succession, passing the ball simply and accurately to supporting players. It sounds Burnage easy but in fact it just confirmed the ball playing talent and awareness of the Cunliffe brothers, Dave and Matt, centre Sandbach 22 9 1 12 410 458 -48 6 44 0 Mark McCulley, scrum half Martin Gambles and their irrepressible white shark of a flanker, Paul Bamber. New Brighton 24 9 0 15 438 568 -130 8 44 0 Wigton v Broughton Park To add to their troubles, it was also a day when the Wolves just didn’t enjoy the ‘rub of the green’. The pocket Leigh 22 6 2 14 440 451 -11 11 39 0 battleship on the left wing, which is Chris Lillie, was twice called back when the way ahead was clear. On the first occasion, it was because of a questionable forward pass and then in the second half, after referee Damian Hamilton Wigton 23 6 1 16 356 550 -194 11 37 0 had initially allowed advantage, the players were called back for a scrum with a Wilmslow put in. ‘You knew it just Kirkby Lonsdale 21 4 0 17 228 752 -524 7 23 0 wasn’t our day, said team manager Grant McKenzie, when a speculative second half LSH kick ahead which was clearly about to be fielded by Elliot Brierley, rebounded ten yards backwards into the arms of Ian Stanley, LSH’s West Park (St Helens) 23 1 1 21 246 855 -609 3 9 0 leading try scoring winger.

The Wolves started with an opening drive League Results—2010/2011 which produced an early penalty for Bob MacCallum and then they allowed a scuffed HOME restart to bounce about in their twenty two. TEAMS Nobody shouted or went for the ball and as

they stood around gaping at it, the chasing

LSH players scooped it up and a try followed

for Paul Bamber. It was unbelievable!

Burnage New BrightonNorthwich Sandbach West Park SH Wirral Alt Kersal Broughton Pk Kirkby L’daleLeigh Liverpool SH Vale of Lune Wigton Wilmslow Minutes later, Brierley took a kick ahead and when he was tackled, the pack produced Alt. Kersal 24-24 20-7 50-10 31-10 40-18 30-14 22-15 24-16 29-7 55-0 20-8 33-32 quick ruck ball which made its way to Chris Lillie unmarked on the left wing. He had half Broughton Pk 0-39 3-8 46-22 13-20 42-21 9-64 29-22 28-15 26-18 60-8 32-18 the pitch to run but everyone knew that he would score and so he did. It was the high Burnage 3-3 35-7 34-11 20-6 14-5 57-29 13-8 20-10 28-0 67-5 27-3 42-18 28-11 point of the Wolves afternoon as ten minutes Kirkby L’dale 12-36 6-5 0-34 5-42 13-18 8-36 24-17 10-26 26-23 7-11 later the LSH onslaught got underway. McCulley kicked a penalty when the Wolves offended in front of their own posts and in a twinkling three tries followed from Ian Stanley, Martin Gambles and McCulley. The best of them came Leigh 3-6 82-15 29-29 10-0 0-32 10-39 46-8 34-6 17-30 20-28 when Ian Stanley in space on the right wing put in a delicate kick ahead to get past Lillie and then to outpace Ben Day to collect his own kick and run in for the try. Liverpool SH 21-10 13-22 97-8 30-0 24-16 22-12 30-20 18-5 29-3 41-27 32-17 The second half started with concerted pressure from the home side and Dave Cunliffe scoring their fifth try. At this New Brighton 19-33 30-21 31-32 19-13 12-5 14-44 8-17 24-16 12-17 37-0 22-19 22-17 stage, they were playing some impressive stuff and were only denied further scores by last gasp tackling from Wilmslow defenders. It was something of a surprise that they scored only once more through prop Ryan O’Toole. Northwich 15-11 24-12 14-8 57-5 15-0 32-8 31-14 15-3 17-5 21-18

Sandbach 8-47 26-8 8-18 13-12 12-32 9-8 17-27 22-22 37-5 13-20 47-31 In response, the Wolves played a full part when they had the chance. A delicately placed cross kick from MacCallum was taken by Lillie, who slipped it to Day and when he was stopped, prop Lewis McKay was up to grab the ball and Vale of Lune 16-22 48-27 51-0 32-8 13-26 47-19 10-3 27-10 76-10 29-11 drive over. McKay deserved his moment as he had put in one of his best displays in the tight, had shown everyone how to counter ruck and had been prominent with his ball carrying and loose play throughout. A further well placed West Park SH 7-20 8-53 30-24 8-39 26-51 17-30 10-37 7-48 19-19 24-41 8-39 kick by MacCallum with five minutes to go led to Alex Donaldson’s catch and drive try and when for once the restart was taken properly, it was followed by a majestic run from centre Mike Black from which Brierley scored. Wigton 0-20 18-22 7-11 19-16 39-17 27-7 14-18 11-19 46-13 29-25 8-3 It was a final flourish from the Wolves which had salvaged some respectability on the scoreboard against a Wilmslow 18-15 23-9 17-17 39-47 19-7 12-23 10-22 42-7 21-16 25-22 competent well organised LSH outfit. There had been a lot to admire and enjoy but in the end they have to develop something more of an edge in their play and to compete for the full eighty minutes, if they are to win matches such as Wirral 0-9 34-22 9-13 48-0 30-20 26-10 14-20 9-12 21-37 8-0 20-17 19-13 these.

Cheshire U15s NORTH 1 WEST LEADING POINT SCORERS 2010/11 …….and then there’s Player Team Con Pen DG Tries Pts Cheshire started off the county campaign with an excellent win where you’ll find over , reports Brian David.. Greg Smith Liverpool St Helens 58 35 0 10 271 unbeatable value Lancashire had already played two county matches but at B. Clark’s DIY Cheshire completely dominated the match scoring four Bob MacCallum Wilmslow 32 33 0 3 178 excellent tries. Considering that it was the first time that the team had played together they performed as though they had Daniel Harvey Wirral 23 31 0 3 154 been together for a long time. What is also quite notable is that the 22 players came from 16 different schools. Cheshire led at half time through tries scored by Rory Hardman and Tom Neale Foster Vale of Lune 30 14 0 10 152 Morton and continued to dominate in the second half. Ali Miller finished off a fine move to take a 15 point lead. We lost Ronan O'Brien Broughton Park 32 24 0 2 146 Will Thornton when the referee yellow carded him for 10 minutes and this allowed Lancashire to come back a little to Sean Rogers Altrincham Kersal 18 23 2 4 131 score a try but Kane Ditchfield finished off a fine team move to score a late try which was converted by Tom Morton. Chelsea Flowers Richard Dale Northwich 32 18 0 2 128 59 Chapel Lane The Cheshire A side couldn’t complete the double for the night but put up a very hard fight against a much bigger and Chris Stewart Altrincham Kersal 17 12 0 8 110 physical team. At half time the score was 10-3 and Cheshire dominated the second half completely but couldn’t score an equalising try. Overall it was a very satisfying night for Terry Knapman Leigh 21 17 0 2 103 Cheshire rugby and all of the boys should be very proud of ALAN LANG their performances. Ian Stanley Liverpool St Helens 0 0 0 20 100 4 LINDOW PA- RADE James Moore Vale of Lune 16 3 0 8 81 CHAPEL

Adedayo Titiloye Broughton Park 0 0 0 16 80 LANE Tel 01625 52228

Fax 01625 524440 Jp Singleton Altrincham Kersal 0 0 0 15 75 www.chelseaflowers.com

Calvin Crompton Leigh 0 0 0 15 75

Darren Wilson Vale of Lune 0 0 0 14 70

Fergus Owens Vale of Lune 0 0 0 14 70

Joel Barber Northwich 9 1 0 9 66

Paul Lewis New Brighton 14 9 2 0 61

Christian Lillie Wilmslow 0 0 0 12 60

Wilmslow U15s selected for Cheshire against Steve Dean New Brighton 7 8 0 4 58 John and Anita welcome you to Lancashire : l to r : Rory Hill, Sam Lawton, Mike Parker, THE FARMERS ARMS Tom Fairclough, Jake Dickinson, kneeling Dan Percival. THIS LIST INCLUDES PLAYERS ONLY FROM THOSE CLUBS WHICH in Chapel Lane The easyfish company Huw Smith obviously camera shy went missing. UPDATE THE RUGBY ROUNDUP SITE. REGRETTABLY AT LEAST Largest choice of beers in In Chapel Lane FIVE CAN’T BE BOTHERED TO DO SO. SHAME REALLY. Wilmslow and sixteen de luxe whisk(e)ys to choose from. Saturday 19th. March North 1 West West Park (St. Helens) 24 - 41 Wilmslow Wilmslow secured their first win away from home since last autumn with this five try romp against a West Park side, languishing at the foot of the table and already destined for relegation. That West Park were able to muster twenty four points in this game and to keep in touch for so long was largely due to the generosity of the Wolves in conceding Weddings, Portraits, two long range first half interception tries, when in good attacking positions. Events, Music, Sports It’s been a difficult season for West Park as they adjust to being an amateur club again. ‘We just couldn’t afford the expense of sustaining a side in the RFU National Leagues,’ said their president Steve Houlton afterwards. ‘We knew Pett and Fashion Photography STIGS BARBER’S we would be playing a young side this season, full of colts as older players departed. It’s just been a step too far for SHOP IN CHAPEL them but hopefully they’ll bounce back soon.’ Their record of just one win in twenty one outings this season says it all. LANE IS NOW OPEN The Wolves will have been relieved to have got a win under their The premises has belts after an indifferent been refurbished and spell in the last few weeks but, in truth, it we look forward to was a flaky welcoming all Keith’s performance, containing former customers and elements of the good, the bad and the ugly. Wilmslow Rugby Club Interwoven amongst members passages of fast flowing rugby, there were a full quota of missed tackles, turnovers, misdirected kicks, penalties and so on, which against better sides than West Park, would have cost them dearly. At times you couldn’t help wondering whether they’d ever played together before. Car Park Resurfacing If West Park’s goal kicker Warren Hunt had enjoyed anything like the success rate of the Wolves’ mercurial Bob I was delighted to read in Brian Moore’s Telegraph MacCallum, then who knows what the final outcome might have been. As it was the Wolves’ scrum and lineout, after column that the protracted affair of United Utilities a hesitant start, just got stronger and stronger as the game progressed and three second half tries were sufficient to punitive charges for surface water drainage has at last settle the matter. been resolved with the utility firm for once showing From the start, they were on the offensive. Their opening drive produced MacCallum’s first successful penalty after some common sense. No longer will sports clubs eve of the Royal Wedding bank holiday the next day two minutes. Moments later big Rob Cowley had what looked like a perfectly good score disallowed by referee Max such as ours be liable to excessive charges for and, of course, allows those of you with invitations to Barnard because he said he was unsighted. In fact, he was looking in the other direction at the very moment that improving the fabric of our premises by laying tarmac set off in good time for the cathedral the following Cowley picked and crashed over. No matter, a long kick out of defence by West Park was fielded by full back to the car park. It’s taken them a long time to come morning. If not you can just have a lie in or enjoy a Matthew King, who released Elliot Brierley for a weaving seventy yard dash to the line without any hand being laid upon him. Before half time, skipper Mike Clifford proved unstoppable from forty yards out and MacCallum added a to this decision but we can all be thankful that it’s the local street party. second penalty. right one. A Rarity In the meantime though, West Park flanker Chris Fortune intercepted a flat inside pass from MacCallum on half way to The possibility of further ground developments are It’s not often that anyone is bothered enough to write score under the posts on the quarter hour. The Wilmslow defence at this stage was more than once looking being investigated by Tony Kersh, in his capacity as to MADREF to commend a referee for his extremely porous and a second West Park try duly followed when tackles were missed in mid field and then on the cusp of half time full back Warren Hunt intercepted as Ricky Chadwick tried to put Brierley clear. treasurer, to see whether grant money would be performance with a whistle. Certainly, I haven’t been available from the RFU to upgrade the changing room tempted this season, far from it. Early in the second half, MacCallum and Chadwick made amends, when the former’s off load was taken by the latter block, in particular the showers. More on this when for the third try. MacCallum’s next move was a perfectly placed cross kick deep into the West Park twenty two and the position becomes clearer. Nevertheless, our own Steve Heaney has received this from the ensuing lineout, the Wolves executed a perfect catch and drive, prop Lewis McKay being accredited with the touchdown. But they do like to make it difficult for themselves as the ball was knocked on at the restart and from the accolade for his conduct of a recent colts match at scrum the home side showed that they too could play when given the chance, moving the ball across the field for Players Dinner Winnington Park in a letter from WP, which contained Fortune to get his second try. For a few minutes, West Park stayed on the attack but Hunt couldn’t find the range The secretary informs us that he has made a all the superlatives you could possibly imagine. when he had the chance and the Wolves were soon on top again. unilateral decision after consulting with the captains that the annual dinner will be held in the clubhouse At 56 years of age, Steve may sadly never get to the Ms. Lee, Walmsley and Hewitt all came on for a gallop in the last quarter and with ten minutes to go, a solid scrum was followed by quick passing for left wing Tom Raynor to score the Wolves fifth try of the afternoon. There was no on Thursday 28th. April. higher echelons of the art but if he could find a way to way back now for the home side and the Wolves contented themselves by playing out time in or around the West transfer whatever it his that he possesses to others, Park twenty two. It had been a hot afternoon and if the sun had taken its toll on the perspiring players’ energy then This seems to be a most sensible choice, being the then the game would surely be the beneficiary. that would have been understandable.

PREDICTIONS

Northwich v Leigh This will be Leigh’s last away game of the season but you wouldn’t fancy them to get anything from in form Northwich, who have really left it just a bit late to get into the playoff spot for the second season running. You would fancy them to be a big threat next season. In the meantime Leigh will still have three home games to negotiate to survive the drop. The visit of Kersal looks beyond them but wins against Sandbach and Broughton Park look within reach and should be enough to guarantee another season at Level 6.

Sandbach v Kirkby Lonsdale The situation looks hopeless for Kirkby Lonsdale. They are unlikely to have much joy at Sandbach and with their three remaining fixtures being Burnage, Northwich and Vale of Lune, albeit all at home, you could expect to get very good odds from a bookmaker against them surviving the drop. Just identify yourself as a Wilmslow Rugby Club member Vale of Lune v Wirral Two sides that can afford just to go out and play to enjoy themselves. No promotional pressures or relegation by producing either your valid fears. A high scoring affair with a home win. 2010 - 11 membership handbook at the following retail outlets or West Park (St. Helens) v Burnage The Burnage players will have the scent of a play off in their snouts and will despatch West Park. Expect the participating retailer’s card to Burnage’s largest away win of the season. receive substantial discounts off listed prices. Wigton v Broughton Park What’s being going on at Park, who have only won once against West Park since last November? Wigton have dropped back into the relegation zone and I suspect they will make a mighty effort to win this one and to stay in the Chelsea Flowers fight. They then have Northwich at home and Sandbach away to come so you’d fancy them to fill the third relegation spot. Chapel Lane, Wilmslow (shop sales only) Wilmslow v Altrincham Kersal Kersal will be clear favourites for this one but the Wolves are the sort of potential banana skin, which you really wouldn’t want to come up against at this stage of a promotional run in. If you want to win the league then this is the Stationery Solutions kind of match that you have to buckle down to. My brain says Kersal but my heart says there could be a surprise. Chapel Lane, Wilmslow (excluding print cartridges) League Winners Runners Up Relegated Altrincham Kersal Burnage West Park, Kirkby Lonsdale, Wigton

Chapel Lane Paints & Wallpapers Chapel Lane, Wilmslow

Loch Fyne Restaurant Brook Lane, Alderley Edge (a la carte menu only)

Gusto London Road, Alderley Edge (see their advertisement to apply for a Gusto sponsorship card. Prior bookings advised)

Bengal Tiger Lily Indian Cuisine Congleton Rd., Nether Alderley (restaurant menu only) NEXT MATCH AT Saturday 2nd. April 2011 THE MEMORIAL GROUND League North One West Saturday 9th. April North 1 West Wilmslow v Altrincham Kersal Wolves v New Brighton Wilmslow XV and their Sponsors Altrincham Kersal XV

The Wolves are away on 16th. April at Northwich for a 3.00pm KO. 15. Matthew King Rick Green 15. Sean Rogers

MOSS FARM, FIRDALE ROAD, NORTHWICH CW8 4BG 14. Elliot Brierley Tim Holloway 14. John P Singleton Exit the M56 at the Altrincham turn off and take the A556 towards 13. Ricky Chadwick Gascoigne Halman 13. Peter Kilburn Chester. After 2 miles bear right into Northwich on the A559. Follow 12. Mike Black Michael J Chapman 12. Steve Davidson the signs for 3 miles into Northwich town centre. At the third set of traffic lights in the centre cross the River Weaver over the swing bridge 11. Chris Lillie DP Medical 11. Chris Stewart and turn immediately left at the mini roundabout. Drive uphill through Castle village, at the second set of traffic lights turn right into Moss Road, 10. Bob MacCallum Steve Swindells 10. Rob Holloway then left onto Firdale Road. Moss Farm is on the right hand side of the road. 9. Chris Lee Addleshaw Goddard 9. Peter Nichols

The last league match at Broughton Park has been rearranged for 1. Jack Walmsley The Big TV Company Saturday 23rd. April. 1. John Geddis 2. Alex Donaldson Norman Herring 2. Tristan Laga HOUGHEND CRESCENT, MAULDETH ROAD, M217TL 3. Lewis McKay Chris George 3. James Watson 4. Mike Clifford FGP 4. Mike Marsden Simply, head down the M56 and A5193 towards Manches- ter, turn left into Mauldeth Rd and Houghend Crescent is 5. Rob Cowley Michael J Chapman 5. Dylan O’Grady about 1/2 mile on the left. 6. Dominic Clancy Taverns 6. Dean Harris 7. Alex Taylor Easyfish 7. John Bishop PLAYERS AND THEIR SPONSORS The players and coaches would like to thank those organisations and 8. Danny Kennedy Patrick Properties 8. Rick Harding individuals who have supported the cause of Wilmslow rugby by becoming their personal sponsors. All the funds raised are directed towards funding coaching, kit, equipment, physios and team travel. Subs Subs Tom Hall Wilmslow Chiropractic Nathan Bailey Matt King - Rick Green : Ben Day - Danilos Restaurant, Josh & Ollie Longmore - David, Andrew & Jim Barker Adam Hewitt John Holloway Simon Edwards Elliot Brierley - Tim Holloway : Chris Lillie - DP Medical Bob MacCallum - Steve Swindells : Stuart Lindsay - Drew Donaldson Stuart Lindsay Drew Donaldson Richard Hutchinson Jack Walmsley - The Big TV Shop : Lewis MacKay - Chris George Rob Cowley - Michael J Chapman : Liam MacCrea - Robin Gregory Mike Clifford - Fallows Gowan Partnership : Paul Noone - John Holloway Dominic Clancy - Deansgate Taverns : Chris Lee - Addleshaw Goddard Referee Alex Taylor - Easyfish of Chapel Lane : Craig Stewart - Slater Heelis Andrew Daniels Ryan Parkinson - Wilmslow Chiropractic Clinic Harrison Lewis - TD Holiday Options : Matt Hamilton - Jeweller Solutions MDRURS Tim Medwell - Zeno Ltd : Danny & Jordan Kennedy - Patrick Properties Elliot Brierley - Tim Holloway : Tom Noot - KPMD Group Wishing the Wolves a Successful Season James Keys - Calder Peel Partnership : Alex Donaldson - Norman Herring : Giles Heagerty - Forge Dynamic Ltd