Having given an update on pre-season for the senior men, it's time to turn our attention to the senior women ahead of their league campaign in NC 3 North (North), their opening game against Berwick on 21 September at Preston Avenue. Manager/Coach Mandy Wood has handed the reins on to husband Stu and I am indebted to him for this update. Pre-season is going well with Friday Night Development sessions attracting new players, those returning from injury and those who have been absent from the game. Numbers are good and the squad is working really hard to prepare for what will be a tough league season.

The aim is to hit the ground running hard in the league and keep that momentum going throughout the season to really push for promotion. The Panthers are an integral part of the Club, we wish them well.

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The scheduled pre-season fixture at Boroughmuir this coming Saturday, 23 August, has been cancelled due to player availability.

The 1st XV's next game will be the opening Regional 2 North league game of the season at West Hartlepool on 6 September, KO 3pm 

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It's all happening at Preston Avenue this coming Saturday 16 August ...

Kids Rugby Taster Session 11am - 12.30pm

For kids aged U6-U12 an introductiuon to the game with:

Rugby Games

Bouncy Castle

Food and Drink

Ice Cream Van

It will be loads of fun!

From 12.30pm in the Clubhouse

Aston Villa vs Newcastle (Premier League) LIVE ON TV

Pre-Season Rugby Game KO 2.30pm

Percy Park vs Middlesbrough

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I caught up with player/coach Ash Smith over coffee recently to seek his thoughts on pre-season for the senior men and the upcoming league campaign. He first explained that the group, though disappointed and frustrated, have come to terms with their relegation from Regional 1 North East at the death last season and are determined to be back playing at Level 5 this time next year. "Pre-season is going really well, with a number of new faces, and with numbers up overall, the injury and unavailability issues which affected us so much last season will hopefully not be so much of an issue this coming campaign." There will, sadly, be a number of early season absentee's as players recover from injuries and niggles sustained last season but Ash was upbeat "Relegation was tough but that is sport. We have most of the squad from last year and the experience of playing at Regional 1 level will stand us in good stead. With new players adding to the mix, I think Park will be very competitive and very exciting this season and promotion is definitely the aim. That said, the introduction of play-offs will be interesting but whatever the format, we will I am sure be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."

After what can only be described as a training session against a touring Oldham RFC last weekend, Park face three pre season games before the opening league fixture at West Hartlepool on Saturday 6 September, KO 3pm.

Tomorrow, Saturday 9 August, Park take on Medicals and Manchester Rugby in a round robin set of games at Preson Avenue, KO 1.45pm

Saturday 16 August vs newly promoted Regional 1 side Middlesbrough at Preston Avenue

Saturday 23 August vs Scottish National 1 side Boroughmuir in Edinburgh

Fixtures and KO times for the last two games to be confirmed - please check club social media platforms 

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