Broughton Park FC

As one of the coaches said "1 more game boys and 2 training sessions! Not hard and a chance to make History! No brainer.....DO IT!!"

What was he talking about? The Big Game! Broughton Park V Burnage in the final of the Lancashire Trophy at Wigan on Sunday 6th May KO 16:30.

My spies tell me that with the returning absentees from the Anselmians game 'Park will have a full squad to pick from. Joe Noone (2nd row/back row), Cambell Thompson (Wing forward), Pete Cibula (Prop), Jack Williams (2nd row), Steve Edgar (2nd row), Matt Hodkinson (fly half) and Jack Kelly (centre) are all available after missing the Anselmians game. The lads who filled in and put in a heroic tackling stint will also make the 25 man squad. I wonder if 1st team Manager Dave 'Beastie' Rodgers will make the squad after his performance at Anselmians. His 28th year of playing rugby at 'Park.

This is the best season I can remember for players walking in off the street and asking to play for 'Park. Mostly by recommendation of ex players and ex members. As a truly amateur club (we can't afford to pay anyway) we depend on these recommendations. The management and coaching team who have done a magnificent job this season are all ex players. Head Coach John Clifford (ex Park Captain and Lancashire Player), backs coach Graham Higginbotham ('Park Captain, Lancashire and Sale.) Famously gave Jeremy Guscott a hard time when Sale played Bath. Forwards coach Mark Poole (Top try scorer for 'Park two seasons on the trot playing in the 2nd row!). Manager Dave 'Beastie' Rodgers. 28 years playing at 'Park and still willing to get his boots on to help the team out. Dave and his dad do a myriad of jobs around the club. Alan Marsland director of rugby pulling it all together for a great season.

Bryn Morgan not making any mistakes on the very important match card. I wonder how he'll go on with the electronic match card used at level 6?

It has been brilliant this season how Paul Metcalf has kept us up to date on the state of games with messages to WhatsApp. Paul has also got stuck in with the Bowdrys to get water off the pitch to get games on. Also another scoreboard operator. We now have at least 4!

The last time 'Park played Burnage was in last year's final when a tight game was lost.

Burnage have had a mixed season and have been around mid-table all season and have finished 6th in North 1 West, although the middle 4 teams are separated by just 1 point.

Interestingly Warrington who 'Park beat 22 - 38 away in the semi final have beaten Burnage twice this last season.

Much vocal support needed. Try and get to the game and support the team.