Littleborough RUFC near misses made all the more painful

Josh Ellidge, Littleborough Rugby Union Club

Littleborough Rugby Union Club second and third teams go into their last games of the season watching their opponents celebrate promotion whilst ruing missed opportunities.

Just a month ago Littleborough Seconds were well set in the race for promotion in the North Division Two table having been riding high on the back of a five match winning run. Fast forward to this weekend and after three losses in a row, and a tricky away evening game against Aldwinians Seconds, the club's in the week title hopes have evaporated.

Fylde on the other hand are currently in the hot seat riding above the rest after enjoying a superb campaign, which has seen them lose just five games all season. They have consistently been the best side in the league but, in the tightest league season ever, they still require a win from the game at Rakewood.

Second placed Kirby Lonsdale had a game on Wednesday against bottom of the table Preston Grasshoppers Fourths, a victory propelling them three points ahead with a tricky away day at Aldwinians Seconds to finish.

So the pressure lies Flyde to pick up maximum points at Littkeborough and, having lost three of the five games they have lost away from home, there is more than a chance that Littleborough can put the poor run to an end and finish the season strongly in third.

Littleborough Thirds had held slender hopes of sneaking into the play-offs as they were automatically given the victory, and the four points, due to Manchester Thirds unable to raise a team fir Wednesday's fixture at Rakewood.

The points brought Boro within three points of second placed Village Spartans going into the final game of the season.

Village Spartans have already played their last game of the season in midweek against a Dukinfield side that has just about staved off relegation because of the drop out of Hope Valley RUFC.

However, Littleborough are resigned to the fact that they won't be able to raise a team for Saturday's game against Carrington. Due to other commitments there simply are not enough players available to raise a team.

Littleborough Thirds will now finish third, which given the nature of the league and the fact that this is the best season the thirds have had for numbers this year, is still a creditable achievement.