WELCOME On a day of celebration I have the pleasure of welcoming to Acklam Park the players and supporters of three teams – from Huddersfield, Consett and Wensleydale. Why the celebration? Because it is the Official Opening, the Grand Unveiling, of our 'new' first team pitch, with Huddersfield YMCA joining us to launch this special event. At long last we are returning to play on the hallowed turf after major drainage works (hindered I might add by foxes and rabbits!) have now been completed and signed off by the contractors.

I might add that we have an old score to settle with our visitors from Huddersfield. In 2013/14, eight years ago, in North 1 East, they took us to the cleaners! In a season which saw us relegated and Huddersfield promoted we lost our away match 41-5 (with Rhys scoring our try), faring only marginally better at home. Ash and Frenchy crossed for tries with Jack Bircham adding a conversion for 12 points; our problem was that YM scored 43 points! YM stayed in National 3 North for two seasons and then N1E until this season, being relegated in 2019/20 – and here's a future quiz question – with minus 25 points. This was not because of any nefarious dealings, let me hasten to add, but the result of problems with the YMCA itself.

This season, after the first five matches our visitors were very much even stephen. They followed two defeats against West Leeds (A) and Selby (H) with victories at Goole and against Dinnington, then drawing 19-all at Leos. They then returned to winning ways with a victory at O Rish in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy before losing league matches at home to Bridlington (8-58) and at Pontefract (47-12).

LEAGUE RUGBY We saw a remarkable match against Pontefract here a fortnight ago. The first half was relatively straight forward, ending 19-6 in our favour. Two tries from Captain Fantastic Pete sandwiched one from Joe. Our opponents then added 12 points to make the game very interesting. Two tries from Rhys put some daylight between us again, but again Pontefract scored to make it 33-25 at the final whistle. The second period saw three of our opponents yellow-carded, resulting in them reduced to 12 men for a time.

We then travelled to West Leeds. At the start of the match both sides exchanged penalty kicks before the first try of the game scored by Jack, converted by Baggy to make it 3-10, closely followed by a seven pointer from our hosts to level the scores. Not for long. Eleven points from the home team and a penalty from Baggy made it 21-13 at the break. Then things really hotted up! Just after the restart Pete scored and Andrew converted and it was 21-20 before another two penalties from Andrew took us into a 21-26 lead. Again, not for long. Back came our hosts with a try levelling the score at 26-26. Wow, what a game! And then the clincher. With ten minutes on the clock Aedan crossed for the winner and despite a few very nervous moments we emerged victorious at 26-31.

A point worth noting is that West Leeds is the third away game where we have fallen behind but with grit and determination, mixed with some good old-fashioned bloody-mindedness, we've forced our way back to take the victory. It says a lot about the spirit and stamina of the squad that they can display such fortitude. Well done indeed boys.

Note that next week we take a short break from league rugby; in the second round of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy we are away at Wensleydale, followed by another trip, away at Selby, who currently lie in third place just three points behind us. That promises to be a cracking match!

Let me add a word of praise for our Wasps. Since losing their opening pre season match against a full strength Houghton-le-Spring they have benn triumphant against BBOB, West, Acklam, Horden and Stockton, amassing 299 points against 44. All games to date have been away from home so their efforts are rewarded today as they welcome Consett for a CANDY league match. The boys league record is three from three; let us hope their winning streak continues. Our 'A' team have been a little luckier in that today is their second home game of the season. They have won one lost one in the league and have beaten Acklam in the Cup. I may put the kibosh on matters but three 'w's on the board this afternoon would be a great start to our party night!

Last Sunday some of our youngsters had a run out, refreshed by the cold windy conditions. Our U12s retuned from Hartlepool with a 9-7 win under their belts, whilst our U14s also enjoyed a frolic just a little further north, at Bishop Auckland.

CLUB NEWS We intend to see out October with a BANG! Tonight we will hold a fancy dress Halloween Karaoke 'n Disco Night, complete with prizes and curry, for which you don't need tickets – just turn up and enjoy yourselves. Next Friday it's our ever popular Fantastic Fireworks and Bonfire Festival! Tickets are available behind the bar – it's a great way of beating the queues. And then December – wow! The Pie Baking competition, Carol Night Sing-a-long, the Lizard Run, Christmas Lunch, Christmas Party, New Year's Eve celebrations. What a jam-packed month!

And remember that bar meals are now available on Saturdays and Sundays, courtesy of George. Have a look at the menu, it's very impressive.

REFEREE'S CORNER I am delighted to welcome not one but three referees today. Steve Penfold is in charge of our league game, having been a regular visitor to Acklam Park over recent years. Steve is an ex-army man who went to Cranfield University, playing rugby for the University, REME and the Army U21s at hooker. He has been a referee for over 20 years and is a solicitor in Leeds. After a gap of something like three years he is a welcome back to Le Parc de Acklam. We are lucky to have Society referees appointed for our other home games this afternoon – Michael Youngson is taking the Wasps v Consett CANDY league match whilst Brian Watt is in charge of the 'A' team against Wensleydale in the Tees Valley League. Welcome one and all; I hope you enjoy the afternoon.

We are looking for parents/guardians who are interested in becoming involved in some capacity, in a coaching, fitness or organisational capacity. We are always looking for volunteers to promote the playing of rugby at Boro RUFC and will provide full training and support in whatever capacity is relevant. If you are – or think you could be – interested, Jonno, our coach development/volunteer coordinator would love to hear from you. Feel free to call him on 07753 160289 for an informal conversation. Together we can make our great club grow!