HADLEIGH begin their fight-back this weekend when they will be holding a social day at Layham Road Sports Ground.Hadleigh, who made the difficult decision last week to leave the London Leagues to enter Eastern Counties 2 next season, hope to draw in both players and social members from their local community and the social day, which will include an open bar and a home game, will be the first of many initiatives to bridge the gap between club and community.

HADLEIGH begin their fight-back this weekend when they will be holding a social day at Layham Road Sports Ground.

Hadleigh, who made the difficult decision last week to leave the London Leagues to enter Eastern Counties 2 next season, hope to draw in both players and social members from their local community and the social day, which will include an open bar and a home game, will be the first of many initiatives to bridge the gap between club and community.

Chairman John Halls, who is fast becoming a stalwart of Hadleigh rugby, said: “We shall have the bar open from midday during our 2nd XV game against Ipswich and throughout the afternoon for the screening of the RBS 6 Nations.

“Everyone is welcome to come down and enjoy our hospitality, and to see that the club is still very much alive.”

The club has had its most troubled season to date, with a lack of players, and has been forced to rely on players from nearby military bases.

This has caused problems when the servicemen are on military duties and unable to commit to playing.

So, the club have decided, with immediate effect, to increase their player recruitment drive, as well as looking at securing sponsorship.

Halls said: “Rugby will continue to played at Layham Road from minis, youths to seniors and enjoyed by parents, supporters, sponsors and members.

“The club will immediately increase its focus on player recruitment for next season and also on securing funding through sponsorship and donations.”

The club has plans to build a double-size portable changing rooms for the youth and minis. They also have plans to improve the Clubhouse, training pitch and senior pitches as well as assisting the local High School in introducing rugby as part of their sports programme.”

If you would like to play rugby for Hadleigh next season, regardless of experience, this Saturday would be the ideal opportunity to pop down and meet the team, see the set up and discuss the game over a pint or two. If you or your company are interested in sponsoring Hadleigh RFC, or would like to make a donation, please email davidcarey6@aol.com initially.