nothing at all sinister just that often second teams can vary a lot in terms of quality. some v good, some v young, some made up of old heads and some who are maybe dragged together each week etc. All the passage says is we do not know what type Ashton A will be like as we have never played them.

Don't take it personally!

Expecting the unexpected is par for the course where 'A' teams are concerned. A mixture of youngsters, old heads, First-teamers coming back from injury or not selected for the Firsts that week, lads not quite good enough for the Firsts, and lads dragged in to make up the numbers (I'm guessing that's what mmp means by 'irregulars').
And of course we all know some teams like to chuck a load of ringers in if they're short or select their First Team if they don't have a game that week.

From seeing your posts and the NWC website it seems your 'A' team is well organised and probably pretty strong with a full squad available.

What's been happening in the War of the Roses cup? I assume it's still in progress.

Semi finals this weekend

Bank Quay Bulls Vs Hindley
Leigh East Vs Latchford Albion

Well its finally here guys. The start of the Season.
I am really looking forward to playing.
We are playing Portico Vine at home.
Dont know anything about them so no idea what they are going to be like.
Im sure its going to be an hard open league where any team can beat anyone home or away.
Good luck to all the teams in div 5 have a good season

Yep, really looking forward to the big kick-off. We're up at Hindley and are expecting a tough hit out against a well-drilled side.

Divsion 5 has the look of a really competitive division and it should be a good season. Best of luck to all.

Results...

Ashton Bears A 18-20 Bolton Mets
Bury Broncos 16-16 Crosfields
Hindley A 32-18 Chester Gladiators
Little Hulton Reds 12-6 Portico Vine
Wigan Bulldogs 28-30 Culcheth Eagles
Woolston Rovers A 38-24 Fitton Hill & Hathersha

Some interesting results!

Bury 16-16 Crosfields

A mixed game and hard to be completely happy with a draw but with several on debut and about 10 lads missing I'm 'frustratingly content'. A couple of stupid errors in defence let them in but otherwise we were fairly solid. Could have shifted the ball a bit better but pretty good and we'll gel with time.

The only brawl we had in season 10/11 was against Crosfields - for late knees on the try scorer, and they did it again. From then a couple of their lads were just looking to fight and a few more scuffles broke out. All handbags really.

Ref wasn't great and did his best to kill the game - loads of penalties against both sides for "not playing the ball with the foot". Seriously, if you're having to give so many penalties and both teams are exasperated perhaps your judgement is a little skewed?

Nearly pinched it on the 80th minute with a penalty on the halfway line, but it was just pulled it wide.

Meh, ignore me moaning, just frustrated we didn't edge it when I thought we were probably the better side - was a good tough game, really enjoyed it and happy we did pretty well against a big and clearly experienced Crosfields side.

I attended the Bury v Soap match. It was the first game for Crosfields lads for about 7 months, due to not playing in the Winter Interim season

The brawl was unfortunate. I think it was six of one, half a dozen of the other on who wanted to fight. I was disappointed to see supporters, officials & substitutes entering the field of play from the Bury touchline, when the brawl happened leave it to the players to sort out.

The penalties were bordering on ridiculous at times for both sides. Maybe the heavy pitch was having its effect on the referee himself

Bury extremely unlucky not to snatch the win at the end. The Crosfields supporters thoroughly enjoyed the pub after the match, a lot of proper beer on offer!!

See you at Crosfields later in the year, hopefully everybody keeps their cool and let the rugby flow!

I'll be addressing that issue at training tonight in very strong terms. As a club we've not got a history of trouble and certainly don't condone people entering the field of play. Not sure any officials were involved (bar those playing ). I don't think the lads involved realise the seriousness of their actions, but they will definitely be made aware.

Agree about the ref, frustrating and quite bizarre!! The number of things he "didn't see" was also maddening.

Glad you enjoyed the pub, it's a new base for us this year and does a nice pint, and rarely for pubs in our area, will show Super League. Hopefully the quality of food will improve as well!

An enjoyable day, see you in June.