After the ups and downs of the Cheshire Cup competition the league season starts with one of four trips to the North East in what will be a very competitive North Premier League this season.
Games on Billingham's Greenwood Road 3G pitch are never easy and Wirral's record there is not good with five losses out of five in what have always been high scoring games.
Last season Billingham used their speedy backs to good effect and a half-time injury to Captain Craig Harvey contributed to a 47-20 loss for Wirral. As it turned out no-one in the league had an easy time at Greenwood Road during 2018/19 season, with the possible exception of the eventual League Champions Hull, who were the only ones to come away with a win.
Billingham coach, Peter Evans, will be looking for the side to improve on their 4th position finish last season. Having retained all of last seasons squad and added the likes of Josh Williams (England Under-18s lock) from Newcastle Falcons Academy and another speedy back in Jobe Roxby from Stockton they are likely to be competing at the top of the division this year.
Wirral Club Coach, Simon Verbickas, has been encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment shown pre-season and good performances against difficult opposition in the Cheshire Cup have demonstrated that the squad is ready for the league.
A first win at Billingham would be a big statement of intent for the coming season. Note the kick-off is at 2.15PM.