The inaugural playing of the Fireman Fred (or should it be Sam!) Challenge took place on a very wet and cold Sunday afternoon. Vando had worked hard to produce a playable pitch but, unfortunately, we were not allowed to use it ….and the game therefore took place von a pitch more suitable to growing rice than playing rugby! Wirral won the game courtesy of tries from Tom Spriggs, Sam Edgar and Lloyd Hayes but in many ways the result was irrelevant……both sides can take huge credit for turning out on what was an appalling day for rugby. Indeed the post match “boat race” in the clubhouse was as important as the match itself…..and we won that as well! And so, Wirral retain Fireman Fred and, ongoing investigations from Inspector Clouseau and the Gendarmerie permitting, he will remain at Wirral for the next 12 months. The next challenge will be to get both sides together again next season. In the meantime huge thanks to Northwich for travelling en masse to Wirral on such an awful today and good luck for the rest of the season. Thanks also to all the spectators who turned out to watch the game

PS Tom Spriggs paid me to use this particular headline!!!