Wigton welcome Scottish club side Annan to Lowmoor Road in a pre-season friendly starting at to get the 24/25 season underway.
With a young squad maturing and with the retention of all the players from last season’s squad, plus the addition of the Colts squad stepping up, the Greens should have a competitive side this year.
Work is ongoing to provide as many development team fixtures as possible to provide playing opportunities for everyone. This could be a real breakout year for back row Charlie Bell, who’s had a strong pre-season developing his physique and skillset.
Tom Maughan missed the whole of last season with a shoulder injury but should be available from October onwards to challenge for a place in the pack. The side will be led once again by hard-working prop Ryan Wannop, a very popular player within the club.
Pre-season has been well attended and has included sessions delivered by former club captain Mike Armstrong, who’s passed on a wealth of knowledge and experience from his career which included Sale, Manchester, Cumbria and England Counties.
The emphasis has been on playing an exciting fast-paced game where enjoyment is the main focus.
The club has also joined with the Rugby Tots franchise, offering up activities on a Saturday morning for three to five-year-olds which will benefit the youth rugby that will be held on Sunday mornings. With clear pathways from junior to senior rugby, this gives the club a real family feel.
The Under-18s have also started training under the watchful eye of Tane Manihera in preparation for their own league season in the North East.
With confirmation given on funding from the Government and the fundraising efforts of the local community, confirmation of the new floodlight project came through this week, so the future is bright – in more ways than one.
Coach David Warwick said: “Any players of any age keen to join a club with the emphasis on enjoyment, please contact us through the various social media platforms.”
