we still have Hindley to place twice and Woolston at home...

Agree with that, lots of empty promises made before the switch especially in terms of flexibility which was attractive to those clubs going from winter to summer. I think the best thing now is to let this season fizzle out and start again in earnest next year when the majority of teams have had a break. From what I'm told there won't be much if any alteration to the league structure so it'll be a case of as you were lads. A bit concerning to see all last weekends games in div 4 going down as 24-0's.

Our club is pretty happy with the structure overall so quite content if there are no major changes.

Numbers have been up and down and we have found holidays and weekends away a bit of an issue but most of these were probably organised last year. Will be interesting to see if we have the same disruption next year.

Hopefully, the league season will kick off in early March meaning there is the option for a two-week break in August as we have found this month the toughest. The sooner the NWML get things arranged and announced the better so we can let players and officials know.

Given the number of conceded games in Div 4 and also how Accrington and Newton have gone, I think the Div 5 standard is on average better than 4. some clubs went too high with their pitch for what division to be in, especially some 2nd teams, and others based our decision on where we were, not where we are. could (should?) see some movement between 4 and 5 I think

p.s. agree we need information to plan! bloody nightmare trying to get winter facilities if not booked over next two weeks....

so, how do we all think it will end up? I think we shoudl aim for 3rd, although it may depend on whether teams can field a team and i'm sure others will be aiming for 3rd place too. My thoughts here www.pitchero.com/clubs/burybroncos/

so, how do we all think it will end up? I think we shoudl aim for 3rd, although it may depend on whether teams can field a team and i'm sure others will be aiming for 3rd place too. My thoughts here www.pitchero.com/clubs/burybroncos/

Bury 70 - 0 Woolston A

What can I say? Woolston fielded a very young team - and a very different team from the game at their place (no first-teamers this time!). First half was ok but our handling was terrible, kept ourselves trapped in our own half through errors and stupid decisions.

Then the ref sin-binned Woolston's best runner after about 20 mins for leading with the elbow. The lad had a grumble & as he walked away he threw the ball over his shoulder & hit the ref on the head! Immediate red card - was a complete accident though. Woolston were never in it after that but they kept going even with a few frustrated lads.

Anyway, was only 12-0 at half time, then we just clicked into gear with 58 points in a 30-minute second half as the ref blew early. A few lads escaped the end-of-season naked lap today - even grabbed my fourth of the season!



Now to take that into next week against a much tougher prospect in Culcheth.

We put a team on the pitch. What more can I say?

These gibes about playing first teamers are getting boring now. We haven't got a first team full of first teamers never mind spares to bolster the second! Let's just say, this summer hasn't been as good for us as for you and we can't wait to see the back of it!

Our 1st and 2nd team played on pitches side by side yesterday and we (2nds) brought a sub on who scored pretty much with his 1st touch. The conversion was held up while we had to convince the referee and the away side that it wasnt actually a lad from the 1st team who'd just been subbed in that game only to be used for a sub for us! The fact that our 1st team bench was on completely the opposite side of the pitch and using different kits seemed to be lost on the opposition and ref. Comedy gold.

Like you we'll be glad to see the back of this season, the break will do us good and hopefully see the injuries etc clear up and get back to some normality and stability next season. One thing I've picked up talking round the clubs we've played is the lack of enthusiasm for the swicth so far, I'm sure that will work itself out as the years go on. In yterms of playing parity the balance seems to be about right certainly in div 5 all the teams seem much of a muchness (probably with the exception of Portico) and I'm not expecting to see much if any movements next season. On another note, another 10 24-0's yesterday again must be a worrying sign. I'd like to see if there's a comparison between the 18-0's in the old winter league vs the 24-0's for this summer.

Most of our team came to watch the Irlam vs Woolston NWCL final in April, indeed one of our coaching team and a couple of occasional players played in it. Let's just say in the game at your place in July a lot of familiar faces from that final lined up against us, and your 1sts didn't have a game that day. It's not like your lads aren't a recognisable bunch! I'm not complaining, as long as it's within the rules you play the best team you can field.

Big credit to you for fielding a team yesterday - it was clear when you were registering lads before the game you were struggling. Many teams wouldn't have bothered turning up. In fact when we played at your place we were in the same boat - we were down to 9 lads on the Friday, spent the day pulling lads in and signed 1 or 2 on the Saturday - had probably 30 unavailable and a couple of us were ill, and another few played on injuries.

It's been good for us barring a few periods where we've struggled for numbers (like everyone else). Holidays, festivals, work all hit hard in the summer. One week we've 30+ lads, the next we're down to whoever is available. Our inconsistent results speak for themselves, again probably like everyone else.

Must say a big thank you to your team. A lot of our lads were only young and some playing in their first open age game got a bit more than they bargained for! My coaches tell me that your players offered them lots of encouragement throughout and showed great sportsmanship. Thank you.

doesnt sound much like Cronus!



we've had some hidings over the years - and we know how it can hurt. anyone who steps on a pitch is there to try and deserves credit so running water on and giving a bit of support where we could was the least we could do. everyone at our end thought your number 11 was superb despite not being the biggest - made every tackle and broke through a few times.

Thought that your 8 or 10 cant remember which one was doing a lot of damage with his strong running until his sending off

Whats everyones predictions for this weekend

Culcheth vs Bury
Fitton Hill vs Ashton Bears A
Hindley A vs Crosfields
Portico vs Chester
Wigan Bulldogs vs LH Red
Woolston A vs Bolton

We're not able to travel to Portico this week unfortunately. Last week was first time we have full 17 in about six weeks (strangely enough coinciding with our best run of the season!) but we have six lads on a stag do Saturday so its a no-go. Did look to play Friday but not possible so we'll travel up to Portico later in year when they are due to come to us. Fact so many games were lost early on has bitten us on the bum really as we would have much preferred to rearrange but there is no time left.

Culcheth 42 - 20 Bury

Scoreline flatters them a bit for me, was a tight game for long spells but a few soft tries late on when we had to field all our subs took the game away from us.

This game fell on our 'off' week and we travelled with 9 first-choice players missing, knew it would be a tough afternoon but gave a good account of ourselves. Let in a few early tries and came back into it, taking the lead at point I think. Our pack put in a great effort and but for turning over the ball on the 1st tackle seven times, we'd have probably been in it at the death.

Strange team Culcheth. Very loud, they try and intimidate teams and can turn dirty when under pressure - probably the mouthiest team I've ever played! No outstanding individuals but they're solid in defence, do the basics very well and hit excellent lines going forward.

Disappointed to lose but pleased with the effort with a heavily depleted squad.

Fitton have conceded the game to us already, so looking for a friendly.



Could be a few more 24-0s this week looking at the fixtures.

Sick of our on-off weekly cycle! Too many lads work the same Saturdays on & off, leaving us short one week and at full strength the next. Anyway, lost 46-20 at Hindley today, travelled with about 8 first-choice lads missing. Was 12-10 at half time then our lack of strength in depth told.

Can tell certain 1st teams didn't have games today!! Ashton and Woolston suddenly pulling out some good wins!



And Portico did the double over Culcheth. Always thought Portico were the strongest side in our division but a few dodgy results early season (while some lads were still playing winter?) have cost them.

Hopefully you'll get all your missing players back soon, looking back you seem to have suffered more than most. The way you've just got on with it is truly admirable, must be very trying.

Is that a little dig MG?



We'll get on with it, we always do. Doesn't mean I don't like discussing the ups & downs of life in NWML Division 5. Likes a good moan, I does.

We've noticed.

Haha put those claws away. You should be pleased, you've got plenty of lads to choose from at the moment.



See you next week!

Bury 38-38 Ashton Bears

Game of two halves. We were awful in the first, our markers switched off, defence was too passive, too many errors and penalties. Ashton took full advantage and used strong running and inside balls to good effect. After a see-saw start they gradually pulled away to lead 32-16 at half time.

The second half swung out way - we sorted our defence out and actually kept some possession, running in a few tries to pull it to 38-38 with about 5 mins to go. Even then we weren't great and for some reason forgot how to get the ball wide. Missed 6 kicks, which could have made the difference.

Decent game played in good spirit, big shout to Ashton for travelling with only 14. Enjoyed the game but not the anticlimax of a draw!

Bury 38-38 Ashton Bears A.

A game of two halves which had a scrappy start until Ashtons young halfbacks got into their stride and soon found holes in the Bury defence to build up a deserved 32-16 lead.

The second half was every much as scrappy with back to back penalties gifting Bury possession & field position and made it difficult for Ashton to get any of the 1st half consistency into their play. Eventually Ashton's defence gave way and Bury clawed their way back into the game. Ashton did show brief glimpses of their capability with a well worked try but every time they built pressure another penalty or dropped ball broke up the Bears attack.

Bury eventually drew level right at the death. A frustrating day for Ashton but credit to Bury for not letting their heads drop in the face of a 1st half hiding but in the end a draw was probably a fair result.

Calling all our Div 5 friends and rivals! We've been nominated for some awards - see here: www.pitchero.com/clubs/burybronc ... 77584.html but most important a couple of players have been nominated too and it's open to a vote! Pls, vote here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/7TTQ2YC Chris is a stalwart of the club, usually at loose or sometimes hooker and has probably played in 95% of all games since the club was set up! Most people will recognise him for the amount of work he does tackling up the middle. Blake is up for young player and has really stood out with almost all clubs voting him in the Top 3 since he joined. He's the small, but bullet quick full back...he's only 20 and joined us from an RU club in May but has really really suited RL (except for the odd kick on tackle 1!). 25 - 30 tries in 13/14 games tells its own story. If people remember the lads, please give them a vote!

Calling all our Div 5 friends and rivals! We've been nominated for some awards - see here: www.pitchero.com/clubs/burybronc ... 77584.html but most important a couple of players have been nominated too and it's open to a vote! Pls, vote here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/7TTQ2YC Chris is a stalwart of the club, usually at loose or sometimes hooker and has probably played in 95% of all games since the club was set up! Most people will recognise him for the amount of work he does tackling up the middle. Blake is up for young player and has really stood out with almost all clubs voting him in the Top 3 since he joined. He's the small, but bullet quick full back...he's only 20 and joined us from an RU club in May but has really really suited RL (except for the odd kick on tackle 1!). 25 - 30 tries in 13/14 games tells its own story. If people remember the lads, please give them a vote!