At last, it looks like we'll have some competitive Senior rugby to look forward to in the New Year with local mini-cluster leagues formed to help facilitate a return to the contact game. These fixtures will be played under revised laws and are subject to changes in local COVID restrictions. Please note under current Tier 3 restrictions in Greater Manchester that spectators are welcomed but must observe social distancing rules along the touchline and our clubhouse remains closed. Kick Off for all Senior games will be 2.15pm unless stated otherwise.
WINTER WARM UPS
19 Dec (HOME) Mens Eccles v Eccles 'Friendly'.
26 Dec (HOME) Our traditional annual charity fund-raising Christmas game.
9 Jan (HOME) Manchester Metropolitian University will be visiting us with two Mens teams.
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Eccles 1 originally destined for the Lancashire ADM Premier Division will now face three local clubs in Stage 1 of the ADM 'Metro Suburban' league.
16 Jan (HOME) v Wigan
23 Jan (AWAY) v Trafford MV
30 Jan (AWAY) v Tyldsesley
13 Feb (HOME) v Trafford MV
20 Feb (HOME) v Tydlesley
27 Feb (AWAY) v Wigan
Following these six fixtures, there will be a review with Stage 2 fixtures potentially begining March 6.
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Eccles 2, originally destined for NW Halbro Division 2 North will now join 'NOWIRUL Cluster L'.
23 Jan (AWAY) Heaton Moor 2nd XV v Eccles 2nd XV
30 Jan (HOME) Eccles 2nd XV v Didsbury Toc H 2nd XV
13 Feb (HOME) Eccles 2nd XV v Marple 2nd XV
20 Feb (HOME) Eccles 2nd XV v Heaton Moor 2nd XV
06 March (AWAY) Didsbury Toc H 2nd XV v Eccles 2nd XV
27 March (AWAY) Marple 2nd XV v Eccles 2nd XV
10 April (AWAY) Heaton Moor 2nd XV v Eccles 2nd XV
17 April (HOME) Eccles 2nd XV v Didsbury Toc H 2nd XV
24 April (HOME) Eccles 2nd XV v Marple 2nd XV
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The club remains committed to raising a rejuvenated Third Team. With good support and committed numbers the intention is to organise regular friendlies with local opposition. Update to follow in January.
COLTS
The club is awaiting confirmed details of fixtures from the NW Halbro Colts League. We understand the current plan is to organise local league groups of six seeded teams, so travelling across tiers can be minimised, with the 10 fixtures played home and away. We expect fixtures to commence on Sunday 24 January and a confirmation early in the New Year. Junior Colts Kick Off is traditionally 12 noon.
LADIES
The plan for Ladies fixtures will mirror the Mens, with participation in local mini cluster leagues. Opponants in Group 1 of Women's Championship 2 will include Didsbury Toc H , Sale, Crewe & Nantwich and Birkenhead Park. We expect fixtures to be confirmed 22 December and commence Sunday 24 January.
UPDATES
Team updates and postponements for all Senior rugby fixtures will be announced on the club Twitter. Senior training under floodlights continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For more information on Senior Rugby at Eccles RFC please contact Sam Simpson 07935 403171 or James Wright 07791 227616.
