Ormskirk RUFC

Dear member, 

To update you on the EGM held on the 19th January 2024, I am pleased to inform you that those attending in person and on zoom voted unanimously to ratify the proposal to move the Club's Constitutional status to a Charity Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The real work starts now to formalise the transfer, hopefully at year end (April 2024), subject to accounting formalities. I will keep you posted.

On the playing front the 1st XV were beaten narrowly at Burnley 21-29 on the 13th January, beat Old Bedians at home on the 20th January 49-7, then losing to Orrell at Gathurst Road, 0-36, on the 27th January. Garstang visited Green Lane on 3rd February and won 59-29.

The 2nd XV beat Blackpool at Green Lane 40-0 but the weather then claimed the rearranged game against PGH 5ths at Green Lane on the 20th January. Unfortunately, the 2nd XV cried off a game at Colne and Nelson on 27th January. The 2nds took 12 brave men to Fylde and were beaten 18-65 on the 3rd February. Then on 10th February they had a well deserved victory 53-7 against top of the table PGH 4ths at Green lane.

If you want a game please contact Dave Gaughan on 07477 923453 to support the 2nds.

The Ladies team has not played since last year and continue to rebuild their player base. Please get in touch if you know anyone who may be interested as they will try to set up some friendlies.

The colts lost narrowly to a strong Knutsford side away on the 7th January 17-22 but then continued their winning ways with league wins against Whitchurch at home 35-3 and against Chester 34-17, also at home. They received a home walkover against Leigh on the 21st January.

A win in the semi final of the Rob Briers under 17 cup against Leigh came next, winning 58-17, at home on the 14th January. This puts them in the final against Heaton Moor at Wigan on the 21st April. Please come and support the lads!

The Mini &Junior Section continue to generate new player numbers with Green Lane bursting at the seams with age grade rugby. Thanks to all the coaches and volunteers involved.

Calling all Mini and Junior coaches!

The Board would like to raise awareness of the successes and developments within the Mini and Junior section of the club. We would like to capture this information mid and end of season and highlight any team or player successes and also positive team development since the beginning of the season. Please could all Mini and Junior coaches send 2 or 3 bullet points to registrations@ormskirkrugby.co.uk for feedback at the March 2024 Board meeting and wider circulation by Friday February 23rd 2024. 

The 6 Nations is well underway and all games are being shown in the Club on the big screens. What better way to watch the rugby than at the local rugby club!

Premiership football is also been shown, starting with Liverpool v Brentford on the 17th February, which is a 12.30 KO.

Please come down and enjoy a pint and some bar food supported by our new kitchen equipment, namely a deep fat fryer and a pie warmer, with discounted beer offers!

A successful Burns Night was held on the 27th January and a great night was had by all in attendance. We hope to make this bigger and better next year, so mark it in your diaries! Thanks to Mark Slater for organising and leading the event, (including a quiz on the subject of Scotland, won by Greg and Matt), Mike our Club Steward for acting as a magnificent host, and to Wendy Griffiths for cooking excellent food.

The Club Curry Night will be next weekend, February 17th, at which we will offer a 2 course homemade Indian meal, including a pint, for £10.00 - a bargain!

Starter: Pakoras, pooris, spicy mango chutney and raita

Main: Karahi chicken, tarka dhal, jeera rice, green beans.

Pint: the choice is yours.

Similarly we are hosting a comedy night from 7pm on the 2nd March. Tickets available via this link (which is a discounted offer link).

I am delighted to inform you that the advertised Social media role has been filled by a ladies team player Paris Cooke Davies. Please join me in wishing her good luck and support her in the role.

Members are reminded that parking on double yellow lines and and on the grass verge on Green Lane is prohibited. Apart from it being illegal , parking vehicles during the wet weather has churned up the grass verge and local residents have turned to social media to be critical of our Club on this matter. If the carpark is full, I have negotiated an agreement with the Malthouse Business Park for parking at the weekend, which is next door to the Club. 

The January 200 club draw for January was won by the former colossus front row player with the Ormskirk record for front row appearances, Jim Vose, now an septuagenarian.

Yours in rugby.

Brian Stevenson (Ormskirk RUFC Chair) tel 07976896722 chair@ormskirkrugby.co.uk