WIDNES Rugby Union begin their countdown to the new season on Saturday, with the first of two trial games against Moore, at Heath Road 2.00pm kick off, followed by an away game against Wigan based side Aspull the following Saturday. It will give new coach Andy Ruane the chance to look at a number of new players as well as letting the players get used to the bumps and knocks in readiness for their first league game against Winnington Park at their Burrows Hill ground on 2nd September. Club Captain, Ste Barrow will be hoping for a good season in North 2 West were the Wids will take on, for the first time in a league game, Blackburn, Caldy, Penrith, Aldwinians and Altrincham Kersal, as well as meeting old rivals West Park, Broughton Park, Stockport, Lym and Vale of Lune.

With not travelling to the North East and Yorkshire and the added bonus of the link created after Christmas with Liverpool University, the likes of Nathan Carter, Simon Clark and Martin Chadwick, who became first team regulars by the end of the season, will be available in September. Add to them the newcomers, the Wids should hold their own in the re-structured league.

The Wids have been given a home draw in the NPI Cup with Crewe and Nantwich visiting Heath Road on Saturday 9th September. The following week the Wids travel up the M6 to Lancaster to take on Vale of Lune, then welcome Broughton Park to Heath Road for the first home league game of the season.

St. Helens Ian Winstanley will captain the second team and will also be hoping for a good season with more strength and depth within the club. Dave Lamb will continue his good work with the vets after last years success.

The Colts look to have a strong side under Peter O'Connor and Ste Field, were no doubt, one or two will get their chance in the first team.

As the season unfolds, add to this the new U16s team thats being set up plus the very successful junior section, already in place at Heath Road and the future looks very bright for the year to come.

Any new players would be welcome at all levels at the club.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.