Playing: 2nd XV

The 2nd XV are testament to the recent development of the playing side of the club as they play in the highest division possible for a 2nd string side. The Batemam BMW Premier division includes several 2nd teams from national division sides- the most notable being Manchester, Sedgley Park and Waterloo. This create a massive challenge for the 2nd team but also provides a good attraction for players to join AKRFC as all members of the 1st XV squad will be guaranteed a high standard of rugby if they don't feature for the first team.

Last season was a very successful season with the team finishing 9th out of 15 with all but one team above them being from national league clubs. The season saw memorable victories over Manchester, Waterloo (away), Preston Grasshoppers as well as reaching the semi final of the cup. The challenge is now to repeat this performance and finish as the best 2nd team of any junior club in the North West of England.

The team has benefited from the coaching of Andrew Daldry over the last year as every Thursday a dedicated 2nd team training run created a solid game plan and structure to the sides game. This year numerous ex-colts are filtering through to play senior rugby and the first three weeks of the season has seen many of these step up to the vast challenge and begin to become fine players.

As is always the case for the lower teams of all clubs numbers are always welcome and we are no exception. With playing a such a high level of rugby- often higher than many other 1st teams in the area- new players who feel they are up to this challenge are always welcome.

See their league progress here.