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Sharks adoption boost for revival club

20/11/2002

RU: NORTH Manchester Rugby Union Club is now part of Sale Sharks adoption scheme.

Two of Sharks' first team will be at the North Manchester ground tonight at 7pm, to give a coaching session.

They will be Mel Deane and Pete Anglesea

The session offers "outsiders" a chance to view the North Manchester facilities and be coached by top professionals.

Further coaching sessions are planned for February, March, and April, to promote the links between the two clubs.

The North Manchester club is also organising a visit to the Sale Sharks v Newcastle match on 3 January, and those interested should contact the North Manchester club on 0161 682 9234.

It is all a new venture for a club on the way up again after a danger of extinction.

North official Chris Hyland said: "At the end of last season the club was at an all-time low.

"We were down to one team, and in real danger of having to fold, due to lack of players and funds.

"Rather than throw the towel in we decided to engage on a rebuilding project to improve facilities, generate more income, and hopefully attract old faces back to the club, along with much needed new blood."

The extra income has been generated by a lot of hard work put in during the summer, as events were arranged to coincide with the World Cup and Jubilee celebrations.

A bonfire night, despite the rain, also brought in more much needed money.

The clubhouse is going to have the lounge bar area redecorated, with new ceiling, new lighting, new carpets, and two new picture windows which will allow some spectators to watch games from the comfort of the lounge bar.

It is hoped all will be ready in time for Christmas and a proposed real ale party.

On the playing facilities side, a ground maintenance schedule is being drawn up.

Plans include improvements of the main pitch surface and training area.

Councillor Mark Hackett, of Charlestown Ward, is now actively involved in the club, and is championing the cause to revitalise the rugby club in line with the many improvements in facilities in the North Manchester area.

The North Manchester club is now part of the Manchester and North Manchester rugby development groups.

Tag rugby is being introduced into primary and secondary schools in the area.

North are providing players to help with the coaching.

The North Manchester High School for Boys is now running tag rugby training on Thursday evenings, and a tag competition is planned for next year.

Chris Hyland said: "This initiative should produce rugby players to feed the open age game at NMRUFC."

North have made a good start to the season, with three wins in four games.

They are joint leaders of the North Lancs 2 Division, with Chorley.

North will entertain Broughton on Saturday 30 November, kick-off 2 30pm.