Firwood Waterloo RFC

No, not yet, although for some of you picking up the weekly email it might be.

I do start each week with the intention of an early note to whet your appetite for the weekend, sadly, good intentions usually spiral into a Thursday night rush to send the copy to Pete Cureton.  Imagine his surprise this week! [caught me on the hop!]

I am not sure this week whether it is the continuing effects of the fresh air on Douglas sea front, early season excitement or just a change of character to "keen boy", perhaps next week will give us the answer.

Last weekend is still fresh in my memory and I was lucky enough to be treated to Douglas hospitality, enjoyed a sunny morning, a good lunch and then the chance to stroll the lunch off on the touchline watching a compelling game that the Men's First Team edged in exciting fashion 17-15. It was nice to see a good group over from the mainland and our best wishes are due to Kurt Riley's dad Daz, who celebrates his 50^th this week, and received an early present with his son scoring the winning try.

There was bit more good news in hearing that the Seconds won at Stockport, but some disappointment that we could not manage a third team trip to Congleton. There is always room for people to help Andy Swain out there, but it is quite a trek, in what is a social league, and with absences and injuries within the squad it was a stretch. Pencil the 12th January in for the re-run if you are able, with a selection of warm up games available if required.

Similarly disappointing news came to me that both Women's teams fell short in their opening league games. While the team will be disappointed it is early days for this talented squad and there is an opportunity to bounce back this weekend when they are due to grace the Northern Echo Arena against Darlington Mowden Park, with both teams travelling. The squad is still building but will be looking for a reaction this Saturday and I am sure we will see one.

Sunday followed Saturday and, while keeping an eye on scores in the World Cup games and impressed with the turn out in the Club for the first England game, I went to Hall Road, which was bursting with players, and watched the Under 16's in a good quality Lancashire Cup game. The team beat a very competitive Warrington side scoring some excellent tries. Things were marred a little when our full back, who had just scored a cracking counterattacking try, had to be taken from the field and then to hospital due to the effects of a collision. As with all injured players our thoughts go with him and his family for a speedy recovery, I think my practice will be not to name the juniors, but I have asked to be kept informed on the recovery.

As a housekeeping issue I did notice that the ambulance access, not required on Sunday, was obstructed by a vehicle. I appreciate on busy days it is hard to find a parking space there, and I did not check whether there was a special arrangement to have it parked there but if we can keep that space clear that would be really appreciated. Sorry if that sounds a bit serious, and as I say it may have been organised that way, but it is a little thing that could be a bigger issue on another occasion.

Returning to rugby, the Memorial Ground on Saturday sees the Men play host to Vale of Lune, another stern test against one of the teams demoted from above last season, but who have managed to steady themselves in impressive fashion with three wins out of three to date. Knowing this is a league that would make a bookmaker rich I have stopped making predictions, save that I can say that there will be the first WOPS lunch of the season and there are spaces available. It would be a shame not to start, as I hope you mean to go on, by joining the opposition and fellow old players and supporters for lunch. Contact Raychel on 0151 924 4552 by Thursday and book in with a couple of friends.

Also on Saturday the Seconds travel to Wirral and the Thirds to Widnes, a little more local but both challenges.

On Sunday, a bit more early advertising, as well as an array of games, of which a little more later, the Club has also arranged for CPR training for volunteers. Having raised funds for the defibrillator it is incumbent on us I think to learn how to use it. There are spaces on courses in the afternoon at the Club if you can make it. Incidents like the one referred to above mean we should try and be aware of what to do to assist if we can.

A consequence of this early dash to print means I do not have Tony Rogers run down of fixtures, save that I believe on Sunday we have another day of training for the Minis and Lancashire Cup games for the Juniors. I do know that the Colts are also in the Lancashire Cup against Widnes, I learned that watching them train in the pouring rain last Sunday after their friendly against Caldy was called off. If there is a prize for sticking at it they must be in with a shout.

Forthcoming World Cup events, with early openings, are planned for 5^th and 12^th October and then for the knock out stages. On the 5^th October the rugby will precede a double header with both Women's teams playing Bristol Bears and the 12^th October against France should also be a great day with all groups encouraged to join in before a home game against Burnage for the Men.

Finally for now a mention for this coming Friday, 27^th September, and a coffee morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. The aim is to create the world's biggest coffee morning with similar gatherings planned all over the country. If you can spare the time please come and join us and support a good cause within our wider community.

There is a lot to look forward to this weekend., please come and join us, use your membership, think about having lunch but support our teams and our Club.

Thanks

Dave