WELCOME We are pleased to welcome Moortown back to Acklam Park this afternoon. Not only are they sitting at the top of the league they do so with a considerable advantage. In 20 games they have amassed 89 points, including 17 bonus points, to sit 15 points clear of second-placed Heath. Their only reverses to date were both away from home, both early season in September, and both close scores; at Beverley they lost 24-19 and then at Heath the margin was even closer at 28-26. It will take a considerable effort from us to win today but if we play to our full potential I'm sure we can do it. Last season we did beat Moortown twice here, meeting them in a Yorkshire Shield match in August, but they were victorious at Moss Valley. Whatever happens today let's hope for a competitive and entertaining game of rugby.

BORO RUGBY The last time we were all gathered here was three weeks ago – and it was the last match we won. We entertained Selby, whose performance belied their lowly standing in the table. It's true we were 20-0 up at half time, courtesy of tries from Conner, Jack Mac, Matty Todd and young Jake Scofield, and anticipating a comfortable victory. But not so. The Brendan/Toddy combo did lengthen our lead to 27-0 but in fact we were outscored 14-19 in the second half. After our fifth try Selby got on the score card as they added three of their own, but a second try from Jake ensured a 34-19 home win.

Our next game at O Brods was a different matter. Despite being below our best the half time score was 7-3, but Bods ran in another four tries for a clear cut 31-3 victory. And then last week we played Guisborough. The game was going to be played on Friday night, then Wednesday night but finally it took place on the scheduled Saturday; this total confusion was all our fault – it must have been because Guisborough have told the world it is so. Let me say at the outset that although our overall performance fell well below our expected standard Guisborough stuck manfully to their task. The lead fluctuated throughout the game, with our hosts kicking a penalty for the first points, but tries from Pete and Harry gave us a 3-12 advantage, which at that stage looked pretty secure. Guisboro kicked another penalty to make the half time score 6-12 and then a third penalty and a try to take a 16-12 lead. We then re-took the lead with a try from Andy Mick, converted by Toddy; at 16-19 it was getting tense. A fourth penalty by the home team tied the match, and then, in the dying moments, they attempted a fifth kick at goal to win the match. The kick fell short, we collected the ball and set off down field for a try to claim victory for ourselves, but it was not to be – Guisboro stripped the ball from us and scored under the posts. The final whistle blew as the conversion sailed between the posts.

After not playing a game throughout the month of February, last week our Wasps were looking forward to playing Consett IIs at home in the semi final of the CANDY Cup. The previous two weekends had been incredibly frustrating as both Westoe and Bishop Auckland cried off on the Saturday morning of the game itself. You can imagine how the boys felt when Consett cried off on Thursday night. So into the pool they went chasing an away game as it was obvious they were not going to secure a fixture at home – they are considering calling themselves the Wasps Wanderers! And they did secure a game at West Leeds. I'm pleased to say our Wanderers returned victorious to the tune of 32-41. A match report from Jonno is in this issue.

Meanwhile the 'A' team couldn't believe their luck and were quite giddy at the prospect of a third match in three weeks, as prior to that they'd managed to play only once since the beginning of December. So off they went to Billingham, where they continued their excellent form by winning 22-32. The week previous they entertained Acklam, winning 65-15; a match report is in this issue. The boys have now scored more than 750 points in 17 matches to date.

Two weeks ago our Colts travelled to Ripon. The competitive first half finished all square at 14 all, but our opponents pulled away after the break to win the game 26-14.

CLUB NEWS I am delighted to report that young Joe Sawdon was selected for the ISRFU Lambs England team last month and also for the Lambs tour to South Africa at Easter (see the separate report on p11). He is our second Colt to receive international honours this year, following Jacob Unwin's selection for the England Deaf full adult squad, as reported in our last issue. Many congratulations to Joe and Jacob, and also to Kieran Clark, co-captain of the Durham U20s who beat Staffordshire last month, along with Martin Quinn and Sam Seymour – they can be seen with their County ties on p4.

Good news! It's been great to see more of proud new dad 'Captain Fantastic' Rob Bellerby around Acklam Park recently, accompanied by the tiny bundle which is his darling daughter Doris. He was down on Sunday morning, with Doris of course; rumour has it he was in the Club Shop trying to fit her out in Club colours. Unfortunately we had nothing in stock her size.

SPONSORS I am delighted to welcome back two of our regular sponsors this afternoon, Charles Clinkard of the Clinkard Group and James Barker of Barker & Stonehouse. As two of the area's long-established and most important family-run businesses, with national and international profiles, it is an honour and privilege to be associated with them. Both are continuing to grow their national profile. Barker & Stonehouse now have 14 stores and outlets nationwide, whilst The Clinkard Group has grown to be the leading Independent Footwear Retailer in the North East and one of the largest Independents in the UK. The group now has 38 stores and ouitlets across the UK. I hope we can serve up an entertaining afternoon for Charles, James and their guests.

REFEREE'S CORNER This afternoon I am delighted to welcome Jim Gray back to Acklam Park. This is the third time Jim has been allocated a match here but has yet to get onto the pitch! He turned up here in December to referee our first abortive meeting with Salem. At least he had the unexpected opportunity to join us for our Christmas lunch! He was then appointed for the rearranged Salem fixture, but that fell victim to the weather and was also postponed. So, fingers crossed, third time lucky! Jim has been refereeing for 5 years, and has been in charge of Acklam at Talbot Park; hopefully he can now add Acklam Park to his places of interest. He is a GP from Sheffield, affiliated to the Sheffield club, where his son plays. Jim is accompanied by Neil Copsey, Referee Assessor, and Steve Huckett, Referee Coach, who are also very welcome this afternoon. I hope they enjoy their visit and their time with us this afternoon.

TOUCH RUGBY Are you a parent or grandparent, aunty or uncle who watches every Sunday and doesn't have a clue when to shout, cheer, applaud or cry? Or just someone who fancies a gentle run out for a minute or two whilst making a few new rugby friends? If so we have just the thing for you. Every Friday we are running a touch rugby session at the club between 6 and 7pm. You need no specialist equipment and will be given plenty of support and coaching. We will be explaining some of the rules as we go along, so it really is for all ages and genders. You never know, you might just get a bit fitter and make some new friends. Please let all of your social circles on social media know, as the more the merrier! And by the way...the bar is open afterwards!!! Hope to see you soon!