There’s a big weekend of rugby scheduled for Welshpool Rugby Club with the men in action at Newtown tonight (Friday) and the reformed ladies side taking to the pitch for the first time tomorrow (Saturday).
With the Division 2 'Split' having taken place, both Welshpool and Newtown sides are now fighting for the Division 3 North East title, and both will fancy their chances of taking the title.
At present, both sides have played one of their four fixtures, with Welshpool claiming a 5-42 win away at Rhos to earn 5 points, whilst Newtown were beaten 24-31 at Machynlleth, earning 2 losing bonus points in the process.
Machynlleth sit at the top of the table with a current total of 10 points, but should expect a points deduction of up to 4 points after calling off their fixture with Welshpool a few weeks ago, which gives them only a slender lead at the top of the pile.
Despite having been beaten twice this season by their old rivals, Welshpool will come into this game with some confidence on the back of three consecutive wins over Rhos, Trefyclawdd and Flint, and with a strong side available they will be looking to come away with some points from this game.
After a couple of seasons without an active side, Welshpool's women will return to the rugby field tomorrow tomorrow as they travel to take on Llangollen & Glyn Ceiriog Women.
The girls have been working hard to build a solid base for this reformed side, and this current group look like one of the most promising the club have had since the first women's side was formed at the club in 1994.
As well as having consistently strong numbers at training, with numbers rivalling the men, they have also shown a keen interest in developing their knowledge and understanding of the game, with half a dozen of the side having recently qualified as WRU Level 1 Coaches, which will help ensure a solid platform for the development of more young female players in the future.
A strong travelling support is likely to be in attendance to support the Women, and the club wish the Women the very best of luck for the first game of what we're sure will be a successful future.
