Southwell Rugby Club plans ahead for centenary campaign in Counties One Midlands East — North
The fixtures have been released for Southwell Rugby Club’s upcoming season in Counties One Midlands East — North.
The club is playing in the new league following a Rugby Football Union restructure.
In its centenary year, the Redmen will open their campaign at home to Ashbourne on September 3.
That is followed by a trip to Lincoln a week later.
The season ends with Hinckley 2nds away on February 11 before welcoming Mellish at home on February 18 to close the campaign.
Also in Southwell’s division this season are Ashby, Loughborough, Birstall, Market Rasen, Coalville, Burton 2nds, and Ilkeston.
Despite being the close season, there is plenty happening at Southwell Rugby Club as it prepares to mark its 100th anniversary.
The construction of the hard pathway connecting the town end to the clubhouse has been a priority for works.
This project includes steps being installed on the bank area and will ensure easier access during training and fixtures, especially during wet weather.
Club chairman Andrew Smith said: “The pathways project is well underway and will not only offer both more friendly access for people with disabilities and pushchair users but also hopefully cut down on the mud brought into the clubhouse.”
The work should be complete in the coming weeks and will include a Centenary Stone Feature.
Details will be released soon on how people can buy a name plaque for the feature.
Pitch maintenance work is also ongoing, with fertilising, seeding and spraying all taking place to continue to improve the playing surfaces.
The senior squad resumes training a week today for the upcoming season, with Andy Powell again heading the coaching duties.
Smith said: “I know Andy can’t wait to get going again and is looking forward to building on last year’s senior success.
“He is also keen to spend more time coaching within the wider club this coming season and offering coaching support to the junior age groups.”
Meanwhile, the club has taken part in a 100-mile run and 100-mile bike ride for Beaumond House Hospice Care in Newark.
The run evolved from planned laps of the town to running on the pitch.
A total of 92 runners took part, each contributing as a team to go the distance and ended up eclipsing the initial target of 100 miles easily — completing 250 miles.
The bike ride took in a tour of several other rugby clubs, including Mansfield, Mellish, Newark and Nottingham Moderns, the latter also contributed riders to the event.
Another fundraiser was in the memory of Jack Skill and raised more than £15,000 to be placed in a trust fund for his young son Ted.
Smith said: “A huge thanks to all who were involved in the 100-mile Run and Bike Ride in aid of Beaumond House. We have raised over £2,500 so far which was a great start to the centenary celebrations.”
