National League, Community Club of the Year 2007

The time has come to do battle in NL1; Whitehaven will form our opening day opposition in an eagerly awaited launch of the National League competition. All the efforts of last season, on and off the field together with strengthening in the closed season will now be put to the test. What better way to start the season than in front of a crowd like the last of 2007 at Headingley?

It goes without saying, that whilst nothing has been confirmed by Red Hall of the future for NL1 and NL2 clubs and promotion/relegation between these two divisions, we need to pick up points from the outset. If we can do that, then a play off spot may not be out of the question in our first season back in NL1. If we are to kick on from there and either strengthen during the season or put together an improved challenge next year, we MUST increase our attendances and encourage anyone with an interest in Featherstone Rovers to get behind us in this very important season.

People attending on Friday night will be given a ‘Sky voucher' for our fixture on Thursday 27 th March against Sheffield Eagles allowing a family entrance for just £20, a reward for your support this Friday and to encourage a healthy crowd in front of the TV cameras. In many ways these two games are far more important than the Sky fixture with Celtic last year and the vocal support we are able to generate can play a huge part in picking up some early points. Can you remember the last time Sheffield came to the CMS, one of the many highlights of 2007. The Sheffield game will kick-off with a curtain raiser between Selby Warriors and Upton at U8's level. Selby Warriors are again supporting us during 2008 with an ever increasing number of youngsters following Rovers with interest, please give both teams your support. As part of the evenings event, Rovers very own ‘Bluebeard' will be doing battle with the best that Super League and the National Leagues has to offer when he takes on ‘Ronnie the Rhino, Bullman, Wildcats Daddy Cool, Mr Purrfect (The pussycat!), Norman the Knight and of course the Sheffield Eagles mascot in an ‘It's a knockout, competition'.

Our U21's played their first friendly of the season last week and will tomorrow evening compete at Featherstone Lions as the continue to prepare for their league campaign starting on the 29 th March. An encouraging first half display was spoiled by some nerves later in the game against an Oldham side that had benefited from some earlier friendlies. A number of new faces were on show, including a ‘young' Tiger Handforth who showed all the promise that brother Paul has in the first team, definitely one to watch!

A full list of U21 fixtures:

Your What's on Guide

Saturday 15 th March – Another fantastic evening at ‘The Atrium'. Over 160 people turned out for a feast of comedy from the Grumbleweeds!

Sunday 23 rd March – BARLA Ladies finals day, first game kicks-off at 12.00noon when Warrington Ladies take on Middleton Ladies followed by Bradford Thunderbird against Wakefield Panthers at 2pm. Once again Featherstone play host to the most important day in Women's Rugby League, an honour for the club and a credit to the support we give this function. Last year over 400 turned out and this year promises to exceed this figure as the popularity of the game grows, U16's festivals are now providing a stepping stone up to the ‘Women's Championship'.

Coming in April – THE BEATLES, Saturday 19 th April at just £10 per head, another star act to entertain followed by late night disco.

Coming in May – THE SPICEY GIRLS, Saturday 17 th May, these girls are out of this world. A family evening with kids being allowed entry with parents. At just £10 for adults and £5 for kids under 15 this will be a night to remember.

Coming in June – The 1 st June will be a 6.00pm fixture with Widnes , the game being preceded with memories of the ‘83 Victorious Challenge Cup Final. The cup will be on display, as will the team from that memorable day. The afternoon will be scheduled as follows and if last years '67 celebration is anything to go by space will be limited and an excellent afternoon will be had by all! You may wish to book for lunch and guarantee yourself a seat! Main Stand seat and 3-Course Lunch, £28.00. Ground Entry and Lunch £25 or Lunch only for £11.00. Special '83 Merchandise also available on the day.

- 1.00pm, Lunch with the stars of '83.

- 2.30pm, 1 st Half of the '83 Final on all screens.

- 3.15pm, presentations, memories and comment from the stars of '83.

- 4.00pm, 2 nd Half of the '83 Final on all screens.

- 5.00pm, Junior Curtain Raiser. (Hopefully Featherstone Lions v Hull )

- 6.00pm, ROVERS v Widnes

Book now for any of the above!