I knew October was going to be a difficult month in terms of fixtures because we had three away fixtures, two of those in the Lake District and two home fixtures.

We won comfortably at home against Silloth, playing some very good rugby in the process. Then the following week we had a wasted journey up to Wigton... the exchange referee, coming from Newcastle, Was held up in bad traffic coming across and eventually we had to call the game off due to the light. We had to postpone the game, which was very frustrating but Wigton showed us some great hospitality to make it a little better. For the third fixture in October week we travelled again, up to Aspatria, for the Intermediate Cup. The fan belt on the coach broke so we had to fore go our customary stop at Tebay! Considering that we made eight changes to team, we acquitted ourselves quite well in parts of the game. Eventually we were beaten 52 -10 and this has all but ended our hopes of progressing in this competition. We had not won away from home so far this season, so it was very important to get a result at Aldwinians and we did; winning 38 – 7 and once again putting on a great display of running rugby. The final game of October is at home to newly promoted Trafford MV at home on 29th. We are sixth in the league with a game in hand and we are still improving as a team. The second team has done really well during October apart from one match where they were beaten comprehensively. They are a young side and show a lot of promise.

It is our Sponsors’ Day this weekend and we are very grateful to all our Sponsors who sponsor the teams, players and club during the season. Without this ongoing sponsorship we would not look half as good as we do, when we are representing the club both home and away. So far this season we are the most well dressed team in the league!

Tuesday and Thursday night training is going well and on Tuesdays we have incorporated the Senior Colts into our warm up and fitness. It is good to see some of the Colts wanting to play Senior Rugby and I hope that they will enjoy the experience. I would still like to see more players training; Tuesday is mainly fitness and specialised game plays that work on problems that have shown up from the previous weeks’ matches, Thursday is run through for both the first and second teams, other players would be most welcome to attend.

It is important that all the players inform Mark Doherty or their relevant contact that they are available or are not available so that selection can run more smoothly. Mark needs to know first thing Monday morning so that we can select the first team by Monday evening. This then gives the second, third and fourth team captains more time to get teams selected. Please try to help us out by doing this. Thank you.

Lewis Moody is coming to the club on Thursday 3rd November (7:00 to 9:00pm) to coach the club coaches and he will be using some of the first team as demonstrators. This is going to be a very informative evening and I hope that all the coaches will make a big effort to attend.