Let`s make no mistake about the size of the game this Saturday and let`s be very clear how important each level of our rugby section is to the build up of this local derby.
Saturday sees our 1st team entertain Anselmians at the Memorial Ground and our 2nd and 3rd team travel to Eastham for their respective League fixtures, both clubs are currently in the same RFU Leagues.
Whilst the 1st team will always be the blue-ribbon team, in which every young Wirralian should inspire to be part of, without our M&J`s, our senior colts and our 2`s `and 3`s, this team would not exist.
The senior coaches, captains and management team have selecedt each squad, on Tuesday, for the games on Saturday, after an intensive training session. On Thursday the team will watch a video, analysing information and tactics needed to be successful against our local rivals. A quiet Friday will then be followed by the build up to an historic game, the first ever between the 2 at level 5. Our boys will need no motivation, no reminding of what they need to do on our pitch come 2.15pm, roared on by big Wirral crowd, backing them all the way to the final whistle.
There will be some disappointed players in the 2`s and 3`s who would have loved to have been part of the 1st team game, however they will go through the same emotions before their games and then wear the maroon and white with pride. Both returning to the Memorial Ground with 2 big wins. COYW.
From the selected teams this week 41 from 62 of our boys have come through the M&J`s system and this is why we are such an incredible club. Not any other club locally, probably regionally, can boast this statistic and we should realise how important the system is. For the coaches, volunteers, and committees, we could not survive without YOU, and I especially thank you for all your support and efforts on a Sunday morning.
Come match day, on arrival, the Club will look exceptional for the pre-match lunch, food fantastically prepared by Rob and his team, the bar staff will be ready to serve, and the pitch will look immaculate. This does not happen on its own and a massive shout out to all involved in the week and from 8am on Saturday morning to prepare for Saturdays showdown.
Finally, what would be great, would be to see many of our members, ex-players, M&J`s coaches, players and parents attending the match, all under 18`s have free entry.
Players put on your club colours and get down to the club and support the only team you should be supporting, have a great day at a great club, look forward to seeing you all COYW.
Andy “skinny” McKinney