With the unit - known as 'The Welsh Gunners' - due to start their season the following Wednesday, and containing a number of players new to the game, the club have kindly agreed to host a training match as part of the regular Tuesday training session.

The evening will take the format of a 40 minute match split with a joint training session. The first half will kick off at 1900 hrs, with a Consett Select XV taking on the service personnel. This will be followed by a 30-40 minute training session, before the second half of the match is played out.

Afterwards, the club will host the visitors back at The Demi, with the unit due to stay until 2230 hrs.

Please come along and show your support, whether it be at the pitches or back for a pint afterwards. With many of the soldiers due to be based within 30 minutes of the club for the next few years, there might be a few who fancy pulling on the Consett shirt in the future!