FREE ENTRY EXPERIMENT DRIVES BRAMLEY FORWARD Bramley Buffaloes get their 2009 home campaign underway next Sunday with an open invitation to fans old and new as well as the population of West Leeds to taste the action for free! The innovative initiative, sponsored by Leeds Co-operative Members Committee, sees the Cooperative RL Conference National side waive normal admission charges for the game against Nottingham Outlaws at Stanningley next Sunday 19th April (2.30pm kick-off). “We hope that this idea will bring a few more fans through the gate and generate a great atmosphere and we hope to build on last Saturday’s outstanding 36-18 win at Warrington Wizards,” explained Buffaloes coach Mark Butterill. He went on: “The club has secured a number of outstanding sponsorship deals during the close season and everyone is buzzing as we face our first home game.” Bramley has recently secured the sponsorship support of a range of companies including National Express, developers PPD, the Unison and RMT unions as well as PRomotion PR agency and Resource Print Solutions. “If a few hundred new faces can taste the quality of rugby that our lads put on then I’m sure they will come back for more and it will be a real family carnival atmosphere next Sunday afternoon,” added Butterill For more information visit www.bramleybuffs.com <www.bramleybuffs.com/>

FREE ENTRY EXPERIMENT DRIVES BRAMLEY FORWARD Bramley Buffaloes get their 2009 home campaign underway next Sunday with an open invitation to fans old and new as well as the population of West Leeds to taste the action for free! The innovative initiative, sponsored by Leeds Co-operative Members Committee, sees the Cooperative RL Conference National side waive normal admission charges for the game against Nottingham Outlaws at Stanningley next Sunday 19th April (2.30pm kick-off). “We hope that this idea will bring a few more fans through the gate and generate a great atmosphere and we hope to build on last Saturday’s outstanding 36-18 win at Warrington Wizards,” explained Buffaloes coach Mark Butterill. He went on: “The club has secured a number of outstanding sponsorship deals during the close season and everyone is buzzing as we face our first home game.” Bramley has recently secured the sponsorship support of a range of companies including National Express, developers PPD, the Unison and RMT unions as well as PRomotion PR agency and Resource Print Solutions. “If a few hundred new faces can taste the quality of rugby that our lads put on then I’m sure they will come back for more and it will be a real family carnival atmosphere next Sunday afternoon,” added Butterill For more information visit www.bramleybuffs.com <www.bramleybuffs.com/>

I'll be putting in an appearance and as usual, anyone who sees me can buy me a pint.

I bet AP still waits outside the gate until the blokey has gone though

If the sun shines, I'll be dragging the family along. They can sit on the picnic benches behind the sticks and I get to watch a game of RL.

If anyone stands behind me.....tough

Don't stand behind the sticks again, it confuses the kickers.

I'll crouch down

Mr AP pays his way i'll have you know.

maybe thats because maureen on the gate is or can be scary.

NO IFS WITH BUTTS FOR BRAMLEY NEW BOY!

Rugby League has been coursing through the veins of Bramley Buffaloes new boy Jim Shuttleworth since he was old enough to pick up a ball!

The 28-year-old back row forward has just returned from a two year stint with Southport Tigers in the Queensland Rugby League and he can’t wait for the Buffaloes 2009 home Co-operative Conference National season to get started.

“I’m chomping at the bit!” exclaimed Jim who works for the RFL as their National Youth Volunteer Manager, a role that sees him managing a team of eight staff across the UK.

“I joined Bramley because of their history and also because of coach Mark Butterill who I’ve worked and played with before at Milford and Leeds Met. I had no hesitation whatsoever when Buttsy made the call!

“He’s pushed us incredibly hard in pre-season and all of the lads are raring to go,” added Jim who hails from St Helens and first played the game, aged nine, with amateur side Blackbrook.

He also describes himself as a passionate Evertonian with a keen interest in most sports including American Football although, when it comes to Gridiron, he prefers the armchair to the pitch!

“Bramley is a very well known name in the game of rugby league football and a club that carries a lot of heritage. That was a big reason behind my decision and it will be fantastic to be playing in front of such loyal supporters and I’m looking forward to seeing a big crowd at our first home game with Nottingham Outlaws on April 19th.

“I’ve had some fantastic times in the sport especially when I was a student at Leeds Met. I captained the side to their 2001 Grand Final triumph at Salford and that has to be my proudest moment to date. We broke all sorts of records that season but I’m hoping to make a little bit of history with the Buffaloes in 2009.

“I played for Leeds Akkies for a few seasons and also coached Milford at the age of 23 which made me the youngest ever coach of a National Conference side.

“It was while I was at Milford that I met Buttsy and I know a number of the current Bramley squad from Leeds Met. It’s their enthusiasm and passion that’s drawn me into the Buffaloes fold for what will be a fantastic season starting at Warrington on April 11th!” said Jim who lives in Kirkstall with partner of six years Lucy.

It seems that one of Bramley’s newest recruits is all set to add another chapter to what has been a fascinating life in the thirteen-a-side code.

Whereabouts is their ground?

I can't see an "How to Find Us" section on their website.

it used to be under the contact section but since we had the site hacked it's no longer there.

we play out of Stanningley Rugby League Club which is on coal hill drive.

see [url=http://maps.live.com/#JndoZXJlMT1jb2FsK2hpbGwrZHJpdmUlMmMrbGVlZHMmYmI9NTYuMTIxMDYwNDI1MDQ0MSU3ZTkuNTgwMDc4MTI1MDAwMDElN2U0Ni4zOTI0MTExODk4MTQ3JTdlLTkuNTgwMDc4MTI1MDAwMDE=here[/url for a map of the area.

AIDY READY FOR BUFFALOES CHALLENGE Armley lad Aidy Manley is hoping to make his mark with the Bramley Buffaloes in 2009 after making the step up from West Leeds ARLFC. The 20-year-old centre, who has been playing the game since he was 13, is well aware of the tradition attached to the amber and black as the club embarks on its sixth season back. “I can just about remember when the club went out of business,” explained Aidy who works as an electrician “and I recall my grandparents talking fondly about the old days at McLaren Field. “It was a real community club that was held in close affection and the Buffaloes are carrying that on with a professional approach both on and off the pitch. “I was recommended to go down to the Buffaloes and all of the squad have made me very welcome for what has been a gruelling pre-season. “It’s a different standard of rugby altogether but I’m confident that I can step up to the mark. You only get out what you put in!” added Aidy who counts his best moment in the game as a match against the Royal Dragoon Guards whilst on tour in Germany with West Leeds. Buffaloes new coach Mark Butterill has high hopes for his young back: “Aidy has got the ability and the drive and he’s sure to excite our fans with his pace and power. “He’s shown a great deal of commitment in training and has fitted in very well and I’m looking forward to seeing him cross the whitewash for the first time. “He’s scored a lot of tries with West Leeds and he’ll be carrying that on with the Buffaloes,” added Butterill who is busy preparing his side for a tilt at a fifth consecutive league title and Grand Final appearance. Aidy continued: “We’re all so keen to avenge last October’s defeat to Celtic Colts and make it another successful season.” The Buffaloes first home match against Nottingham Outlaws on Sunday 19th April at Stanningley’s Arthur Miller Stadium is free entry for all thanks to an innovative sponsorship deal with the Co-operative. For more information visit www.bramleybuffs.com <www.bramleybuffs.com/>

AIDY READY FOR BUFFALOES CHALLENGE Armley lad Aidy Manley is hoping to make his mark with the Bramley Buffaloes in 2009 after making the step up from West Leeds ARLFC. The 20-year-old centre, who has been playing the game since he was 13, is well aware of the tradition attached to the amber and black as the club embarks on its sixth season back. “I can just about remember when the club went out of business,” explained Aidy who works as an electrician “and I recall my grandparents talking fondly about the old days at McLaren Field. “It was a real community club that was held in close affection and the Buffaloes are carrying that on with a professional approach both on and off the pitch. “I was recommended to go down to the Buffaloes and all of the squad have made me very welcome for what has been a gruelling pre-season. “It’s a different standard of rugby altogether but I’m confident that I can step up to the mark. You only get out what you put in!” added Aidy who counts his best moment in the game as a match against the Royal Dragoon Guards whilst on tour in Germany with West Leeds. Buffaloes new coach Mark Butterill has high hopes for his young back: “Aidy has got the ability and the drive and he’s sure to excite our fans with his pace and power. “He’s shown a great deal of commitment in training and has fitted in very well and I’m looking forward to seeing him cross the whitewash for the first time. “He’s scored a lot of tries with West Leeds and he’ll be carrying that on with the Buffaloes,” added Butterill who is busy preparing his side for a tilt at a fifth consecutive league title and Grand Final appearance. Aidy continued: “We’re all so keen to avenge last October’s defeat to Celtic Colts and make it another successful season.” The Buffaloes first home match against Nottingham Outlaws on Sunday 19th April at Stanningley’s Arthur Miller Stadium is free entry for all thanks to an innovative sponsorship deal with the Co-operative. For more information visit www.bramleybuffs.com <www.bramleybuffs.com/>

FOURTH TIME LUCKY FOR ELIKER?

Bramley’s barnstorming second rower John Eliker is hoping to make it fourth time lucky in 2009 after missing out on the club’s last three Grand Final appearances.

“It was agonising to miss the end of season finale in each of the last three seasons and I’m going all out with one purpose in mind this year!” exclaimed John who was suspended for the 2006 final success at Warrington and missed out on the 2007 and 2008 defeats through injury.

“I never ever want to go through that again and it was made all the worse by watching my mates lose the last two!” added the 26-year-old who started his playing career at the age of 10 with Stanningley’s flourishing junior set-up.

He played for a number of sides across West Leeds before making an instant impact with the Buffaloes in the second half of the 2006 season with 12 tries in 11 appearances. The 2007 season was a write off for John through injury but 14 tries in 14 matches in 2008 suggests the big forward will be near the top of Bramley’s try scoring charts this year.

“I do enjoy getting over the line and get a great buzz from scoring but it’s more important of course that we notch the victories.

“We have a lot of hard work to do this season and I’m particularly looking forward to the opening home game against Nottingham Outlaws,” added John who counts last season Northern Rail clash at Salford as his career highlight.

“It’s a fantastic club to play for and a real name in rugby league circles,” added John “and I’m raring to go for the fans who have been terrific. It makes such a difference to know there’s several hundred supporters right behind you as well as your team mates.

“Our new coach Buttsy has picked up the reigns from Paul Cook and has worked us very, very hard in pre-season and the spirit and confidence in the squad is just outstanding.

“We are all pulling for each other,” concluded John. His all action approach to the game of rugby league marks him out as one to watch in 2009.

Thanks for that.

I wasn't able to make it on Sunday but it's good to know for future reference.