Mick is chasing more Master's fixtures, currently confirmed:
15th July, we are away to Medway Dragons (big anniversary game for Medway) 23rd July, we are involved in a game at the London Broncos Richmond Athletic Ground (an opener before the Academy and Ladies and our big "in" on the Championship scene) 12th August, we play at the Hive, home of Barnet FC, before the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. St Albans Centurions Masters exclusively sponsor David Slater, whose Dad, Jamie Slater plays forCents.
"Broncos Academy lost the game at Castleford but won the second half 22-18. New rules are now being trialed at academy level. All tackles below arm pits led to 20 odd penalties but the game was still a real rugby contest with strong tackles and flowing rugby. David came on for the last few minutes of the first half at hooker and played all of the last 40. He scored from dummy half and did a cut out pass to create a try. The best try came from a flowing move off a scrum that went through 5 sets of hands. The Academy are getting stronger, great day out." The Centurions are please to advise our supporters that very constructive talks have taken place during the week between club officials and representatives of the local council including Assistant Directors for Public Realm and Built Environment, and the portfolio holder for Sports and Leisure.
The group recognise that there is an immediate challenge for all parties to find the club a venue to play their home games which meets the minimum standards of the Premier League. A number of alternatives were discussed, and the council will now pull together a proposal. For the time being, it is envisaged that the juniors and Masters will continue to play at the club’s spiritual home of Toulmin Drive, but this is a far from ideal scenario. Beyond this season, the council have committed to fully engage with the club to ensure that the 2024 season will be better coordinated and a venue will be available for the club. The club are to be invited onto two working groups that are looking at community development options and this is a real bonus. Club Chairman, Alex Powdrell said 'Our meetings with the council over the course of the last week have demonstrated that the council have a real desire to help the club in the short, medium and long term. Thanks to Helen, Tom and Stuart for making themselves available and also local MP Daisy Cooper's office for giving this some impetus. We explained what our immediate realistic requirements are and also the more long-term goals which include for being part of a community facility which enables the club to have a base on one site. We will be speaking to the RFL about grant funding opportunities.' With fixtures coming thick and fast, we'll keep you posted where our next home game will be played. St Albans Centurions are disappointed to advise that their East RL Cup semi final vs Hemel Stags will not go ahead as Cents are unable to raise a full complement of players, the Stags advancing to the Final.
Realising early in the week that player's Bank Holiday commitments left them short handed, Cents, keen to be up front, advised the RFL and Hemel and offered alternatives. It is not unheard of for Cents and Hemel to play midweek games due to their proximity, given that the final is 24th June, some weeks away, but Hemel declined this as an option, which is their prerogative. Speaking about the situation, Head Coach Sam Wingad couldn't hide his frustration 'I think in this instance we have been too honest. I suspect that all clubs would struggle to field a side on a Bank Holiday, but the fact that we were up front with all parties seems to be have come back to haunt us as Hemel declined the options we offered, outright. Given the final is a few weeks ago, there are several mid week opportunities, but as I say, Hemel weren't interested.' Three teams out today with wins for our open age against Hemel Stags Rugby Club and a convincing win for our U16 against London Skolars Rugby League. Our newly formed U14 missing out with a valiant effort against North Herts Crusaders Rugby League in their first ever game!
TEAM'S UP!
A strong 20-man squad has been named for tomorrow's first round fixture at home to Hemel Stags, with 3 players set to make their Cents debut. RUGBY LEAGUE IS BACK!
The East Rugby League is back this weekend and we'll be kicking off our season by welcoming local rivals Hemel Stags to the Colosseum! Please note that we will not be allowed any spectators at the game due to Covid restrictions. A big thank you to The 948 Sports Foundation for their generous grant which will help support the junior setup for the 2021 season!
“Giving young people in St Albans and the surrounding areas, the ability to improve their participation in sport” 2021 SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT Four more re-signings for you: Conor Moore, Jack Hegarty, Joe Baker and Rob Campbell will all be back in the blue, black and yellow this year! |
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