Blackpool Panthers RL v Pia XIII and the National U'19 School RU 7s on same day at the Woodlands!
The Woodlands hasn't seen the like of the fare on offer on Saturday, 10th March (ko 15.00). Blackpool Panthers have been drawn at home against Pia XIII, one of the top French rugby league clubs, in the 3rd round of the Challenge Cup. The match was originally due to have been played on Sunday 11th but this clashes with the final day of Fylde's National U'19 School 7s Tournament. So it's been brought forward a day and it should be an exciting mix of rugby codes and styles.
Pia, or to give them their full title Salanque Méditerranée Pia Rugby XIII, or as they are sometimes called, the Pia Donkeys, are based in the South East of France, just north of Perpignan and currently lead the French RL premiership. They beat their opposition by 70 points at the weekend and have a core of 6 very good Australian players in their squad.
Fylde's National School 7s has been running for more than 50 years and is one of the major national tournaments based in the North of England and attracting schools and talented young players from all over England. Some 40 schools will be taking part in this year's competition, sponsored once again by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Over 400 young players, teachers and parents will descend on the Woodlands for the two day tournament. And they will be mixing with Panthers' supporters and players and officials from the two RL clubs.
Fylde Chairman Michael Brennand said: "It will be demanding in organisational terms to stage the two important events simultaneously on the Saturday. But we've lots of experience of staging big games so we're very confident that it'll be a great day of rugby. And our French visitors will enjoy the very special Woodlands hospitality."
NB Fylde members, on producing their 2006/7 membership booklets, will be able to watch both the 7s and the Panthers match for the normal cost of the 7s - £4 per adult, £2 for concessions. Surely the bargain of the Century!