CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME A very warm winter welcome and a Happy New Year to all our supporters and visitors at Eccles RFC today. I wish you all the best of health for 2022. Let’s hope the year ahead provides us with more certainty and positivity. All our Senior fixtures and Junior county cup games were sadly postponed just before Christmas due to COVID concerns, and at the time of writing this message the threat of further restrictions were still undetermined, leaving the safe continuation of rugby in some doubt. So, if you are reading this, you can assume the match is (probably) going ahead! Our 1XV opponents today, Widnes, arrive in good form, having lost just one away game so far this season. In the reverse fixture back in September Eccles travelled to the ADM Prem Champions with a squad that saw many homegrown former colts drafted in as cover for a lengthy injury list. Although Eccles began that game in the ascendancy, scoring first and breaking through several times in the opening quarter, a pair of second half yellow cards and a late collapse assisted the hosts towards a 36-7 win. Consistency of team line up and performance has continued to be a problem for the Men of Eccles this season but let's hope we will at least see an improvement in the conversation of attacking opportunities into points today. Despite our Senior and Colts teams struggling to find a winning formula on the field, there’s certainly been a renewed camaraderie within the squads and the atmosphere in the clubhouse at the weekend is now returning to its buzzing best (restrictions permitting!) We’re working hard here at Eccles to overcome the set backs of COVID by promoting the game and invigorating its growth within our community. Since last summer, the club has taken big strides forwards with its Mini & Junior rugby, with increased numbers across all 10 teams. Whist other clubs have curtailed their development of youth due to a decline in numbers, we’re a hive of activity and bursting at the seams on Sunday mornings! Our Community Rugby Coach is engaged with local schools and the club is now growing at a healthy pace with over 400 members. Of course, this surge in participation and the maintenance of our facilities would not be possible without the invaluable assistance we receive from our sponsors and the continued dedicated commitment of our volunteers. Donating your time to support the club's activities can be very rewarding so if you’d like to get involved and put something back in please do step forward. Whichever team you’re supporting this weekend, I hope you enjoy your match experience at Eccles and you keep returning throughout the season. Thank you for your support in what will be our 125th Anniversary year. Let’s get stuck in! Chris Gaffey // Eccles RFC Chairman
5 Publizr Home