Another fantastic week for the black and amber, with a big senior win, brilliant Mini & Junior effort, and plenty to look forward to this weekend.
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1XV Impress in Big Win — And Earn Referee Praise
Saturday’s 57–31 win over Bury RUFC was a huge result for our 1st XV, but just as pleasing as the scoreline was the feedback that followed.

We were proud to receive a fantastic message from the referee after the game, praising the quality of the match, the discipline shown by both sides, and the spirit in which it was played.

A real credit to everyone involved and a brilliant reflection of the values we want to see in black and amber.

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U10s Looking Smart — And Playing Even Better
It was also great to see our U10s proudly receiving their new kit this week. The squad were looking extremely smart — and judging by the smiles, very happy too.

They then followed that up with another outstanding performance away at Bolton this weekend.

All the boys did a brilliant job and it’s clear to see how much they are improving week by week. Despite coming up against a bigger Bolton side, that didn’t stop our young black and ambers from getting stuck in with confidence and commitment — and that attitude helped secure a fantastic away win. There are some fantastic photos and videos from the game, which you can find on the website.

To top it off, two of the players had already played a game of League first before pulling on the Orrell shirt. What commitment!

A brilliant effort from the whole squad.

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Big One Ahead for the U16s
Looking ahead, our U16s have a huge fixture coming up this weekend.

They travel away to Rochdale next Sunday 22nd March for the Lancashire Cup Semi-Final, where they will be looking to continue their excellent run and defend their title.
A massive occasion for the squad and one the whole club will be right behind. Best of luck to all involved!

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Senior Rugby — Another Big Weekend Ahead
There are no home games this weekend, with both senior sides on the road.
The 1st XV travel to Burnley for another important league fixture as they look to build on last weekend’s excellent win over Bury.

The 2nd XV had a blank fixture last weekend, and this weekend they make the trip to Bury for what will no doubt be another difficult game.

It is worth noting what a strong effort this has been from the 2nd XV this season. Simply still being active in the league at this stage of the campaign represents the furthest point we have progressed to in recent seasons, which is a real credit to everyone involved.

Special mention must go to the coaching team — especially Paul Kitching and Peter Harber — for their hard work and commitment in keeping the side going.

This stage of the season always becomes increasingly difficult for second teams, particularly as the local Rugby League season is now underway, which inevitably creates extra challenges around player availability. That makes the commitment shown by players and coaches all the more impressive.

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Fundraising Update
It has been a brilliant way to start the week at Orrell RUFC.

A huge thank you to everyone who viewed, shared and supported our recent online auction.

After a steady start, both lots attracted some fantastic late interest before the deadline — a great reminder of what can happen when the black and amber family gets behind something.

Most importantly, every pound raised will help support grassroots rugby at Orrell RUFC — from our Mini & Junior section, to coaching, equipment, player development and the ongoing upkeep of our club and facilities.

Fundraising remains hugely important to community rugby clubs like ours, and support like this really does make a difference.

Thank you again to everyone who helped us keep the future black and amber.
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Around the Club
It has also been great to see the return of match reports to our website and social media channels.

Following the retirement of long-standing club reporter Graham Winstanley, we are delighted that Rob Lee has stepped up to help provide match reports whenever possible. His contributions are a welcome addition and another great example of players supporting the club off the field as well as on it.

Across the Mini & Junior section, preparations are also beginning for the end of the Union season, with Presentation Evenings now in the planning stage. Please keep an eye on the club calendar and social media channels for dates and venues.

Stay Connected
With plenty happening across the club at this stage of the season, please keep an eye on our official Orrell RUFC channels for the latest fixtures, results, match reports, fundraising updates and club news.

Our website and social media channels remain the best way to stay up to date with everything going on in black and amber.

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Looking Ahead
There is still plenty to come over the final weeks of the Union season, with big league fixtures, cup rugby, Mini & Junior development, club events and more fundraising activity all still ahead.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Orrell RUFC — together we carry the black and amber forward and #keepingthefutureblackandamber