We put a team on the pitch. What more can I say?

These gibes about playing first teamers are getting boring now. We haven't got a first team full of first teamers never mind spares to bolster the second! Let's just say, this summer hasn't been as good for us as for you and we can't wait to see the back of it!

Our 1st and 2nd team played on pitches side by side yesterday and we (2nds) brought a sub on who scored pretty much with his 1st touch. The conversion was held up while we had to convince the referee and the away side that it wasnt actually a lad from the 1st team who'd just been subbed in that game only to be used for a sub for us! The fact that our 1st team bench was on completely the opposite side of the pitch and using different kits seemed to be lost on the opposition and ref. Comedy gold.

Like you we'll be glad to see the back of this season, the break will do us good and hopefully see the injuries etc clear up and get back to some normality and stability next season. One thing I've picked up talking round the clubs we've played is the lack of enthusiasm for the swicth so far, I'm sure that will work itself out as the years go on. In yterms of playing parity the balance seems to be about right certainly in div 5 all the teams seem much of a muchness (probably with the exception of Portico) and I'm not expecting to see much if any movements next season. On another note, another 10 24-0's yesterday again must be a worrying sign. I'd like to see if there's a comparison between the 18-0's in the old winter league vs the 24-0's for this summer.

Most of our team came to watch the Irlam vs Woolston NWCL final in April, indeed one of our coaching team and a couple of occasional players played in it. Let's just say in the game at your place in July a lot of familiar faces from that final lined up against us, and your 1sts didn't have a game that day. It's not like your lads aren't a recognisable bunch! I'm not complaining, as long as it's within the rules you play the best team you can field.

Big credit to you for fielding a team yesterday - it was clear when you were registering lads before the game you were struggling. Many teams wouldn't have bothered turning up. In fact when we played at your place we were in the same boat - we were down to 9 lads on the Friday, spent the day pulling lads in and signed 1 or 2 on the Saturday - had probably 30 unavailable and a couple of us were ill, and another few played on injuries.

It's been good for us barring a few periods where we've struggled for numbers (like everyone else). Holidays, festivals, work all hit hard in the summer. One week we've 30+ lads, the next we're down to whoever is available. Our inconsistent results speak for themselves, again probably like everyone else.

Must say a big thank you to your team. A lot of our lads were only young and some playing in their first open age game got a bit more than they bargained for! My coaches tell me that your players offered them lots of encouragement throughout and showed great sportsmanship. Thank you.

doesnt sound much like Cronus!

we've had some hidings over the years - and we know how it can hurt. anyone who steps on a pitch is there to try and deserves credit so running water on and giving a bit of support where we could was the least we could do. everyone at our end thought your number 11 was superb despite not being the biggest - made every tackle and broke through a few times.

Thought that your 8 or 10 cant remember which one was doing a lot of damage with his strong running until his sending off

Whats everyones predictions for this weekend

Culcheth vs Bury
Fitton Hill vs Ashton Bears A
Hindley A vs Crosfields
Portico vs Chester
Wigan Bulldogs vs LH Red
Woolston A vs Bolton

We're not able to travel to Portico this week unfortunately. Last week was first time we have full 17 in about six weeks (strangely enough coinciding with our best run of the season!) but we have six lads on a stag do Saturday so its a no-go. Did look to play Friday but not possible so we'll travel up to Portico later in year when they are due to come to us. Fact so many games were lost early on has bitten us on the bum really as we would have much preferred to rearrange but there is no time left.

Culcheth 42 - 20 Bury

Scoreline flatters them a bit for me, was a tight game for long spells but a few soft tries late on when we had to field all our subs took the game away from us.

This game fell on our 'off' week and we travelled with 9 first-choice players missing, knew it would be a tough afternoon but gave a good account of ourselves. Let in a few early tries and came back into it, taking the lead at point I think. Our pack put in a great effort and but for turning over the ball on the 1st tackle seven times, we'd have probably been in it at the death.

Strange team Culcheth. Very loud, they try and intimidate teams and can turn dirty when under pressure - probably the mouthiest team I've ever played! No outstanding individuals but they're solid in defence, do the basics very well and hit excellent lines going forward.

Disappointed to lose but pleased with the effort with a heavily depleted squad.

Fitton have conceded the game to us already, so looking for a friendly.

Could be a few more 24-0s this week looking at the fixtures.