On Saturday, 31st January 2009 prior to our league match v Altrincham Kersal, there will be a short ceremony (at 2.15 p.m.) to name our grandstand “The Harry Leyland Stand”.   Harry joined the Club, to play squash, after retiring as a professional football player, from Blackburn Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. He was also a popular member of Wallasey Golf Club.   With his administrative ability, he soon became Chairman of Squash and later, a keen rugby fan.  He started our Annual Sportsman’s Dinner and became President and Chairman of the Club.  Harry toured with the First XV to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Romania and Cyprus.  We are still unbeaten, in Europe!   We hope that as many members and friends of Harry’s, as possible, will be present and we extend a warm welcome to Harry’s widow, Margaret and daughters, Jane, Sheila, Barbara and son-in-law, Roger.

Dear Colleague, for those that haven’t already done so, can I encourage you and as many club members friends etc. to register your support for Brian Moore’s campaign against huge water rate increases to community sports clubs (all sports clubs and churches with car parks will be affected with some up to 1000% increases!!!, so spread the word far and wide).

 

If we don’t stand up and be counted now, this could have a crippling effect on many sports clubs.

Please follow this link to read Brian’s article and register your support:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/brianmoore/4077481/Join-Brian-Moores-petition.html

As we approach the start of our 134^th  season I believe we look forward from a position of strength of talent to improving on our position of 4^th in last year’s league table.

 

The success of teams at our current level, and above, on very limited budgets, is inevitably cyclical. Only a few seasons ago we were aspiring for promotion to National League Two but fate played its hand and we subsequently suffered two relegations however, I firmly believe we have now turned the corner and we are on our way back. Around the Club there is a noticeably resurgent atmosphere both in the clubhouse and on the rugby pitch.

 

We have a long way to go but with the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of too many people to mention here by name I am sure we can and will enjoy the sweet aroma of success in the not too distant future. I ask everyone reading this to play their part, however small, in ensuring that success, please use the Club’s facilities and bring your friends, support the teams by attending the matches, take a table or come on your own to the pre match lunches you will always be made most welcome.

 

I look forward very much to seeing lots of old and new faces enjoying the rugby at our Club.

 

Ben Basterfield

President

2008/2010