If you were involved in last week’s selection decisions or simply noticed the absence of several regular names on the team sheets, you will have appreciated the scale of the challenge we faced. With 36 players unavailable, including 10 first‑team regulars, managing to field three senior men’s teams was a remarkable achievement. It also serves as clear proof that having 40 to 50 players consistently attending training over the past ten months, all learning the same plays and principles, has truly paid off.

On the journey to Broughton Park, the prospect of securing two wins for the 1st and 2nd XVs felt a long way off, particularly with both sides unable to fill their benches. However, what followed were two hard‑fought victories that will stay with the lads for a long time. Well done to everyone who pulled on a TOC shirt last weekend.

This week, the list of unavailability's is a little less chaotic, with several players returning. The 1st XV are at home to New Brighton, who will arrive full of confidence after their recent win and who always contribute to a high‑scoring, entertaining contest. The 2nd and 3rd XVs travel to Ellesmere Port and Aldwinians respectively.

It promises to be a fantastic day at TOC on Saturday, with the President’s Lunch taking place and a number of our junior teams expected to be in attendance. We encourage everyone to come down, show your support, and enjoy what should be a great day of rugby.