On a hot sunny day at the DR1VE Medicals Arena, Orrell 1XV RUFC welcomed Congleton RUFC to St John Rigby College for the opening game of the new season - the scene was set for a great game of rugby; which this week was sponsored by the FOPS (Former Orrell Players Society). You can read the full match report on the 1XV team page.

This week’s special guest Neil Hitchen, a former Orrell player, kindly took the time to announce Dan Huxley as club captain for another year.

The 3XV welcomed Sedgley Park and another good win for the second home game of the season for our new 3XV team. The 2XV were away to Oldham and secured another good win away 43:22.

We were also extremely delighted that our Mini and Junior Section and our Junior Colts were able to join in the day by taking part in some mini training & game sessions before the 2 home games kicked off. Sunday saw the U14s play take on a very talented Southport RU team on Sunday at the Dr1ve Medicals Arena and the Junior Colts win away at Vale of Lune.

Orrell Anvils Touch Squad were also out in force at the weekend with Richard Wood and Rob Byrne playing for the north west at the Nationals on Saturday .... with the tournament being overseen by our Kev Hattersley!

Orrell RUFC would like to say a massive thank you to all the supporters and volunteers that made the day a success. We are also even more grateful to all our sponsors (new and old) without whom we could not exist as a community club! Our grateful thanks and appreciation to you all:

• A&M Tyres, Wigan
• ABH Law
• Aids 4 Mobility
• AJL Dance
• Alan Bowen Optometrist
• Andy Craig
• Ashford Rainham
• Austin Wilkinson & Sons Ltd
• R Banks & Sons
• Brookhouse Contracting
• CJM Garage Doors
• DKCC
• Dr1ve
• EDs
• Former Orrell Players Society (FOPS)
• Hepworth & Hall
• Houghwood Golf & Restaurant
• Kay Welding
• Keith Halliwell
• Mich Dearman
• Mike Shore
• Millan Interiors
• Primus Accountancy
• Sheradize
• John Statter
• Times Engineering
• W K Bradley & Sons
• Wigan Beer Company
• Wigan Beer Company
• William James Recruitment

In case you couldn’t get down to the game, a copy of the Match Day Programme is attached to read at your leisure. Don’t miss out on the next home games - put the dates in your diaries now - Saturday, 21 September when the 2XV are at home at Winstanley College, followed by refreshments at Winstanley Tennis Club. The next 1XV home game is Saturday, 28th September vs Garstang and the 3XV are also at home that day vs Fleetwood.

The future is black and amber