With the publication of the Midlands League Structure, Burntwood RUFC now know the size of their task if they are to consolidate a place in Midlands 2 West North in season 2011-12.
They take their place alongside four other Staffs teams which include Stoke on Trent, who won the national RFU Intermediate Cup at Twickenham just last month, Tamworth, who beat Burntwood in the Staffs Intermediate Cup Final recently, and Leek and Stafford, who provided the majority of players for Staffordshire in their County Championship campaign.
There are five sides from within and around Birmingham, including Spartans who have Level Transferred from Midlands 2 West South where they finished fourth last season. The league composition is completed by two Shropshire sides – Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury.
The good news is that Burntwood have already begun pre-season training. Sessions began last week under the guidance of Head Coach Graham MacDonald assisted by Jimmy Davies and Paul Rogers. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 7pm at the club’s Sportsway HQ and is open to players of any ability whether new or existing members.
The club has also arranged its pre-season games to warm-up for the new campaign. The first is a round robin tournament at Windsor RUFC on August 13, rapidly followed by a trip to neighbours Lichfield on August 16, kick off 7.30 pm. Pershore are the visitors to The Sportsway on August 20 before preparations are concluded with a visit to Ashbourne on the August 27.
The Burntwood RUFC clubhouse provides a community facility open seven days a week throughout the year. The club is always keen to welcome new members whether they are players, sponsors, volunteers or spectators. Visit the clubhouse or contact the club via 01543 676651.