WELCOME Today I am delighted to welcome the President of Yorkshire RU,
Michael Smith. Mike and his family have long been associated with Halifax RUFC
– his grandfather as groundsman, his father and Mike himself as player and
administrator, a tradition carried on by his son, Nathan. He has a long and proud
record of voluntary service. He was a Queen's Scout who went on to become a
District Commissioner of Scouts, and he also served as a school governor. Much
of this public service overlapped with his duties at the Halifax club, first as Junior
Chairman and then as Hon Secretary, a role he held for 12 years. At the same time he was active in the RFU North Competitions Committee as league secretary, then Hon Secretary of the Committee and now as chairman, a position he has held since 2003. In fact in the early 1990s Mike was involved on all four fronts at the same time. I'm sure his year in office as President will be just as hectic and we are pleased he is able to be with us today. I hope he enjoys his visit this afternoon.

I am also pleased to welcome Hullensians back to Acklam Park. We first met three years ago during our first excursion into Y1, when we lost 28-10 at Springhead Lane and then drew 17-all in the return fixture; we renewed our rivalry last season in the Yorkshire Shield, when we finally managed to beat them, by 61-36. Finishing in 10th place last season, our visitors have made a good start to the current campaign. They lie a place above us in the table with wins against Bradford Salem, North Ribblesdale, Wheatley Hills and, very impressively, a comprehensive and full-deserved victory at Beverley. Their three defeats have been against three of the top four clubs, O Brods, Heath and, on Saturday, at home to York.

LEAGUE RUGBY Following our one point defeat against unbeaten York I thought we might go one better against Scarborough. We didn't – we lost 22-40. Scarborough turned in their best performance of the season and were 14 points up by the 10th minute. We then scored two quick tries from Liam and Peter, but our visitors scored twice more before the break, the first from an interception, to make it 10-26 at half time. From the restart we took the initiative but Scarborough weathered the storm. An absorbing final quarter ensued with lots of skill and commitment shown by both sides, and we did earn a bonus point with two tries from Sean Moloney. There were three red cards, one to Sean Kay and two to our opponents, all in separate incidents.

After two home defeats (against the top teams in the league) we chalked up a 'W' on Saturday at O Rishworthians. It was a tight first half; Andy gave us an early three point lead which lasted until near the break when Conner took a quick tap and scored in the corner. A penalty to O Rish made it 8-3 at the turn around. A penalty and a drop goal took OR into a one point lead before Sean Moloney crossed, converted by Andy. We then swapped penalties before Stumpy finished a forward drive, again converted by Andy, to wrap it up 12-25. In truth we grew stronger as the game progressed, and OR never looked like breaching our defence.

CUP RUGBY Having played our Yorkshire Shield match against Moortown at the start of the season we were waiting for the outcome of the duel between Redcar and Keighley to determine who would entertain us in the next round. I had a sneaking hope that Redcar might triumph – it would give us a local derby in a season of long journeys! – but unfortunately they conceded the match. And so we go to Keighley on 18 November, the week after they are here in the league. If we win we then travel to either O Rishworthians, our opponents last week, or Hullensians, our visitors this week! The other semi-final features Selby/Scarborough v Beverley/Heath.

OTHER GAMES The Wasps served up a truly memorable match at home to Alnwick last week. They took a 12 point lead before Alnwick stirred, but stir they did and replied with 31 points of their own. Despite losing five players to injury in the first half, and staring defeat in the face, giving up is not something this group of heroes do. They rolled up their sleeves, played dynamic rugby, and scored six more amazing tries to finish 48-31 winners. The week previous their game at Percy Park almost didn't happen, as Park wanted to cry-off midweek. However Jonno's persuasive charms saw the game go ahead. In the event a thoroughly entertaining afternoon was enjoyed by everyone. We won 32-16; a match report is on p4.

Last season the 'A' team played Acklam three times, losing all three by the combined score of 51-151. This season they have begun to redress the balance, returning from the short trip to Talbot Park with an 81-14 victory. A fortnight ago they were in the spotlight with a home game against Billingham. Defending their 100 per cent record our boys played with passion and commitment; leading 18-12 until the final minutes Billingham snatched victory with a late converted try. Although disappointed to lose they will reflect on a competitive game well played, and certainly more satisfying than a one-sided walk-over. Suitably refreshed our warriors returned to victorious ways on Saturday with a fine 29-10 game at Bishop Auckland.

Two weeks ago the Coltsas were away at West Park Leeds, who are always difficult opponents, and current Yorkshire Cup holders, but I am pleased to say that our young men won 22-15. On Sunday they were at O Brods. Against a side who were, let's say, a little physical, they were leading 10-5 as no-side approached but lost 10-12.

CLUB NEWS There was a charming 'cheque-presentation'
ceremony in the club on Sunday afternoon. In the summer a
group of our finest athletic members took part in the coast-to-
coast bike ride, raising an impressive £3.600. This has been
used to buy two defibrillators, along with storage cabinets and
training for members. The cheque for the balance was
presented by Michael McDonald, the biggest single sponsor
of the ride, to Becky Gaynon, Jonno's wife, for OcuMel UK,
a tiny charity that supports people, including Becky, who have
suffered with eye cancer. The cheque was for £800. Everyone
of the group deserve our gratitude, especially Brad, who pulled
the whole event together. He is already planning the next
adventure, so watch this space...

Another huge 'well done' to Gary Chatterje, Shaun Cassidy, Dave Hinchley and Chris Musika, the coaches of the U12s and U10s for introducing a 'recycling bin' for out-grown kit, especially boots. Young 'uns sprout up at an amazing rate, and any scheme providing boots without spending big sums of money is to be applauded. Hopefully the scheme will now be rolled out across the Club.

Next Sunday bring all the family along to witness a kaleidoscopic cacophony of colour – it's our wonderful fireworks display, complete with roaring bonfire and refreshments for everyone.

REFEREE'S CORNER This afternoon I am delighted to welcome Laurence Pearson back to Acklam Park; his previous – and first – visit to us was last March when he took charge of our Yorkshire Shield semi-final against Wath. He has been a referee for seven years, before which Laurence was a scrum half both at junior and senior level at Keighley before joining O Brodleians. He is MD of a training company. I hope he enjoys his time with us this afternoon.

BRYDON'S BLUSTER
There are times my rants bore to death whoever's in earshot. Well, here-goes. First let me say that I think 'rugbyworld' is a fantastic place. Rugby is more than a sport, it's a way of life - it's full of camaraderie with lifelong friendships made on and off the pitch. Rugby is full of volunteers, selfless people who give their time willingly and cheerfully without seeking any acknowledgement – a philosophy close to the heart of our honoured guest, Mike Smith, President of Yorkshire – but as in all bodies there are a few pompous little people who strut around full of their own self-importance.
Never was this better illustrated than last weekend, when it was reported that Samoa are close to filing for bankruptcy ahead of next month's Test against England, and their world wide appeal for assistance included a request for a £150,000 cut of the revenue from their match at Twickenham. Like me you may think this is a mere drop in the ocean for the RFU, the richest union in the world, and the cheque would be on its way. But no. Despite England never playing a Test in Samoa to balance the books, some jobs-worthy at the RFU made the following comment: ‘We operate fully within the guidelines set by World Rugby...and these guidelines do not require a fee to be paid. This is clearly an area for World Rugby to take a closer look at and we have had assurances from them that they will.’ It's unbelievable. Pacific Islanders have provided huge helpings of entertainment served up on a shoe string, and whilst World Rugby should explore lasting solutions, there is an obvious case for those who have to provide short-term assistance to those who haven't.