To allow full viewing of England’s 6 Nations opener against Scotland, the 1st XV take on Newton-le-Willows - the first of a back-to-back double-header following the abandonment of the fixture back in October due a serious injury to one of the Newton forwards.

There were three hotly contested games between the two teams last season, so both teams know they will have to be at their best to take four points away from this fixture. Having lost at home to Newton last year and after a disappointing narrow defeat at home to Pendle in their last game Bedians will be determined to make the most of home advantage this time round. However, they know that they will need to be at their best to defeat a Newton team that will be eager to get a much-needed win to get their season back on track, having, like Bedians, struggled for consistency this season.

Elsewhere in North Lancs 2 Eagle face a tricky trip to Colne & Nelson, Crosby St Marys host high-flying Ashton-under-Lyne, whilst bottom-placed Clitheroe visit Chorley.

Full North Lancs 2 fixtures:
Chorley v Clitheroe
Colne & Nelson v Eagle
Crosby St Marys v Ashton-U-Lyne
Old Bedians v Newton le Willows

Meanwhile, the 2nd XV face a tricky trip to Crewe and Nantwich in Raging Bull Division 4 South. Having lost a competitive game 24-15 earlier in the season, the 2nds will know Crewe and Nantwich will be keen to steal the points off the Bedians required to skip above them in the league, with Bedians currently 5th in the league, a point ahead of Crewe (who have a game in hand).

Elsewhere, most Division 4 South teams are in Cup action, so the reduced programme of rearranged league games sees Christleton starting as favourites to close the gap on Heaton Moor 2 at the top as they host Northwich 3, while Acton Nomads take on Bowdon 3 in what should be a tight mid table clash.

Full Raging Bull Division 4 South fixtures:
Acton Nomads 1 v Bowdon 3
Christleton 1 v Northwich 3
Crewe & Nantwich 3 v Old Bedians 2

As it’s the most eagerly anticipated weekend in Northern Hemisphere rugby, get yourselves down to Millgate Lane to cheer on the mighty Bedes at 1.45pm, then you can relax afterwards in the warmth of the bar watching the Calcutta Cup (ko 4.00pm)!

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