6:15pm Wednesday 3rd June 2009
By Rachel O'Connor
In true Western fashion, the cavalry are coming over the hill to aid Wharfedale Rugby Union Football Club.
Knowing that their funding from the Rugby Football Union will be slashed, and to counter the recession in general, the Dalesmen have been working hard since the end of last year to minimise the effects of those twin blows.
And the Cavalry Club, running now for two-and-a-half months, is one outcome.
“This club has been going for almost three months, Michael Harrison our chairman of rugby came up with the name, and members have already raised £20,000 of our £30,000 shortfall from the RFU,” said Terry Bell, chairman of the marketing and advertising committee.
“Club members have until July 1 to join and anyone interested can e-mail the club via our website and I will send them a pdf document in return.”
Bell also confirmed that the club are replacing chief sponsor Skipton Properties, whose contract is close to ending, with three smaller sponsors.
The Greens’ annual meeting will be held at the rugby club next Thursday (7.30pm). All members are welcome.
Pre-season training starts on Monday, June 29, at 6.30pm.
The Dalesmen have already arranged three pre-season friendlies. They visit Hull Ionians on August 15, host Preston Grasshoppers the following Saturday and travel to Kendal on August 29 to defend the Pete Kremer Trophy.
Hoppers replace Sedgley Park, who have been relegated into Wharfedale’s division.
The Greens begin their league campaign with a home fixture against Nuneaton on September 5 (promoted into this section for the third time), followed by a visit to Blaydon before renewing old rivalries against relegated Otley on September 19.
The full fixture list will be published in due course.
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