Local Rugby is back at Southport Rugby Football Club this weekend – an incredible 546 days since a referee last blew their whistle to get a first XV game underway!
The club, which plays its fixtures at Waterloo Road in Southport, is looking forward to beginning the new season with a tense derby fixture against Tarleton.
It will be an emotional day as tributes are paid to former player, Chairman and President Alan Havard, who died in January this year. The inaugural Alan Havard Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the winners
SRFC players, coaches and supporters have endured a frustrating time over the past few months, with the Covid pandemic taking its toll on matches.
People are now being encouraged to head down to Waterloo Road this Saturday (4th September) for a 3pm kick off for Southport 1st XV.
Southport 2nd XV start away against Tarleton 2nd XV at 3pm while Southport 3rd XV play away at Vale Of Lune 3rd XV at 3pm.
Southport Rugby Club Chairman John Vandermeer said: “This weekend brings much excitement to Waterloo Road as we kick off the new season with great hope and optimism with a first team home game.
“Things are starting to open up and Southport Rugby Club is all geared up to welcome our local rivals, Tarleton, in what promises to be an exciting closely fought match.
“The 2nd team are away to Tarleton and the third team have a match away against Vale of Lune 3rd XV. Numbers have been reasonable at training but we will require a strong turnout to get the three teams out this weekend.”
People at the game will be paying their respects to proud Welshman and club legend Alan Havard, who sadly passed away in January this year.
Southport Rugby Club player, club president and clubman, Dr Alan Havard
John Vandermeer said: “The match this Saturday is a special one as we pay our respects to Alan Havard, a stalwart of the Club who contributed to its success over many years.
“Alan sadly passed away last year and his family and friends will be in attendance at the match with Rosemary Harvard awarding the inaugural Alan Havard Memorial Trophy to the winners. “We will also be entertaining our club sponsors who we thank and acknowledge as vital to the ongoing success of the club.
Patron / Social memberships
“This year we are looking to significantly increase our membership and have taken the decision to reduce the cost of patrons / social membership to £40. At the moment we have less than 40 patron members so with our 150th anniversary next year we are looking to reach the appropriate target of 150 Patron / Social members by the end of the season.”
In order to achieve this, the membership benefits have been improved and enhanced and include:
- 2 International tickets will be drawn and given to a lucky member for a 6 Nations match.
- Automatic inclusion in the raffle drawn at the conclusion of the home match.
- Members discount at the bar.
- Invitation to members functions, including the old boys lunch
- Invitation to organised golf and cycling events.
John Vandermeer said: “Just to remind members that we have a healthy allocation of International Tickets and they can be applied for and purchased as a member. If the ballot is over subscribed, the tickets will be drawn at random.
“If you are an ex Southport RFC player and are looking to support the club please join as a Patron / Social member and come down and experience the welcoming atmosphere of Southport Rugby Club.
Volunteering
“We have fantastic volunteers at Southport who do an amazing job for the club and I would like to thank them and acknowledge the tireless work they do.
“At the moment we are currently looking for someone to take on the role of membership secretary at the Club.
“This role can be shared with somebody else and will require some computer skills but more importantly attention to detail. If you are interested, please come and see me or one of the other Board Members. We would be delighted to tell you all about the role.
Southport Rugby Football Club against Tarleton. Photo by Angus Matheson of Wainwright & Matheson Photography
Finally
“Southport Rugby Club like most other clubs has been badly affected by Covid-19 with a heavy toll inflicted on the club’s finances.
“Closures during the lockdowns of the past 18 months have cost the club and normal income streams have dried up.
“The club has been financially prudent in managing its affairs and receiving grant support wherever possible but the club has had no ‘normal’ income for more than a year.
“Members are the lifeblood of the club so please come down, become a member and support Southport Rugby Club.
“I look forward to seeing you down at the Club.”
This year’s Captains are as follows:
1st Team – Ewan Thompson
2nd Team – Joe Mawdsley
3rd Team – Jason Fitzpatrick
Ladies Team – Louise Gray
Club Captain – Gareth Lang
- Keep up to date with the latest news on the Southport RFC website here or follow Southport RFC on Facebook here or Southport RFC on Twitter here or southportrugby on Instagram here.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
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