OXFORD

ELCOME Hello all and a first ever warm welcome to Workington Town RL and to all their officials, players and supporters. It’s a long way down from Cumbria and we trust you’ve had a safe and pleasant journey. We are delighted and excited to be playing a club with such tradition and heritage that the “Town” brings to Oxfordshire. Last week saw Tim and the boys secure local bragging rights over Hemel Stags and more importantly bag points to kick start the League 1 campaign. I don’t suppose anyone would realize, as it’s only intra club trivia, but Tim created a club record last week which he was unaware of. That was his seventh straight win against Hemel and while it produces no silverware, I believe it’s worthy of note in my eyes. Well done Tim and to all the backroom staff on such a professional performance and positive start, the improvements are evident. The opening round of League 1 brought varying score lines and all eyes were focused on Toronto and Skolars, well no shock horror at the resulting score line. Toronto ooze with experienced SL quality and their resources are on a fast track mission to that tier and good luck with that mission. Elsewhere tighter score lines had a more competitive look, but you can’t deny the crowd increase and media attention Toronto generated. I only wonder if that will be sustainable if such mismatched score lines continue to be produced. I can’t see it as full time v part time is going to result in big deficit scores. From our young squad’s perspective I’m in danger of sounding over protective, I openly admit we have player welfare concerns and fears. The Wolfpack have players with 50 to 100 plus SL games and then pit them against the likes of us and other expansion clubs who are blooding young 19 – 21 year olds? Questions do rise in the mind regarding duty of care. In the community game, our best wishes go out to 3 young Oxford Cavaliers players this weekend who are on representative duty with the West of England RL team. George Lenton Hall, Dan Brooker and Dan Jamieson face the Irish Wolfhounds U20’s in Dublin. Great news and good luck lads from all at Oxford RL, I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience and a weekend to remember for you and your families. Back to today and summer rugby has so far shown us no sunshine, could today be the start? Workington will stand as the biggest test our young side will have faced to date. I know they will relish it. To all “Town’s” supporters and officials enjoy the day and I wish you a safe journey back home. Enjoy the game Adrian