Hi Guys,

Rugby date 6/3/10 away against Preston called off


The beginning of the end; death of social rugby at Blackburn.

disappointment rained down at Ramsgreave this weekend and unfortunately I don't mean the results, as bad as they were. Myself I travelled with the 1st xv to Lymm, top of the table and looking even further apart from ourselves. In fairness to my colleagues who made the journey we where a Miss-mash of three teams with myself propping up the subs bench. But the guys never gave up and put in some superb rugby, given different circumstances and the rub of the green it could of all looked different. But I went along with the senior team knowing that the third team we had managed to cobble together where at least going to travel and gain a much needed point. In case not everyone is not aware of the situation with the third team you can call off 4 games then you are kicked out of the league. On Saturday P.G. and myself had managed to convince 12 players that it was worth the trip to Hoppers. With myself away doing my club duty and filling up P.G. also offered to fill up to the 2nd xv on the understanding that the side would travel with Andy Toms to run and organise them. However the 2nds playing at home were only fielding 11, and felt this wasn't good enough and therefor stripped the 3rds of a further 4 players. Down to 8 a couple of older lads decided that they felt this was not going to be enough, and pulled out. I don't blame these lads we had cajoled them into playing and going to Hoppers with 12 was bad enough but 8 would be a hard ask. So down to 6 and even though the rules state you can travel with as few as 4 would you ? I think its time that management at all levels sat down and decided what matters at Blackburn. When I first came to Blackburm in 1992 we boasted 4 senior teams plus a vets side, I realise that rugby in our area is not the first sport. however the problems at club are not totally the blame of the area. We are lacking numbers and need an influx of players through hard work and recruitment. But I was under the impression that we see out this season in survival mode, with three teams intact and if that means playing with 12 or 11 you do it so all the teams can gain the vital point to stay in the league. No one has said to me at the official side of the club that the third fifteen are expendable, yet some people think this is the case. In loosing the social side at Blackburn the club will suffer. Myself a 42 year old overweight unfit player will not sustain 2nd team rugby week in week out. The level of fitness is beyond me and I enjoy the level I play at with the thirds, passing on any experience I have and the passion I feel for the game and the club. It would be great to have a 2nd team that can put 18 out every week but should this come at the expense of social rugby I think not. The facts are that the majority of paid up members are third team players and would have no where to play, some of the players I enjoy playing alongside each week are not yet or maybe wont be at the level to contend with 2nd team rugby on a weekly basis. There needs to be a consensus that we are surviving this season with three teams intact or not. I await notification one way or the other is social rugby important at Blackburn. I have made my case, or do disband yet another team and loose members and support for the sake of ego's.

This weeks fixture is a home game against Bae, we must win this game to stand any chance of staying in this league if we dont get kicked out. please could all players let myself or P.G know thier availability as soon as possible.

Regards a not very happy Carlos (captain).