BURNLEY Rugby Club celebrate its 90th anniversary this year but the next few weeks could be the most important in its most recent history.

The Holden Road club have three matches left in their Lancashire North campaign and if they win two of them - starting at Orrell on Saturday - they will be guaranteed a place in the end-of-season play-offs.

And with a Lancashire Plate final to come in May, the first XV is doing it best to make sure the club's 90th year is a memorable one.

"We are having one of our best seasons for a very long time," said head coach Simon Finnan. "It has been a long, hard season but we are now in the position where we know exactly what we have to do - win two more games and we are in the play-offs."

Burnley, who are currently second behind Tarleton, will play the team that finishes in second in the respective division in Cumbria, which at present is Whitehaven.

The winner will then gain promotion to the North Lancs/Cumbria division.

Burnley are chasing honours on two fronts and will play either Littleborough or Tydlesley Rugby Club in the final on Saturday, May 6 at a venue to be announced.

"The club has a very long and proud tradition but you can say that in recent years, these will now be the most important few weeks in the club's history and we are all looking forward to it."

The First XV's success has filtered down through the club and the Third XV narrowly missed out on a cup final appearance themselves after losing to Fylde in the last four.

"Our senior men's section has gone well this season and the Thirds were unlucky to miss out," added Finnan. "Hopefully we can say it has been great come the beginning of May!"

This season has also seen the growth of the Burnley's ladies section and there are plans to join the league structure next year for the first time in the club's history.

Junior wise the club is growing year on year, and for the first time, Burnley have been able to put a team out at every age from under sevens to under 14s. The under 14s are also in the hunt for silverware are and entertain Vale of Lune in their cup final on Sunday.

Burnley will have an under 16s team in the Junior Colts League structure for the first time in five years. This season they will finish with a plate final against West Park St Helens.

And Finnan says girls rugby has had another healthy and successful campaign, teaming up most weeks with Bury RUFC while an number of them have represented Lancashire and the North of England.

"The First XV have had a superb season and are on the verge of doing something very special but that success has been mirrored across the club - a great way to celebrate our 90th anniversary."

n The club is always on the lookout for new and experienced players whether young or old, male or female. For details, contact Simon Finnan on 07988 122186 for more information.

Other dates to round the 90th Season off are Saturday 22nd April when the first's play North Manchester at home the past players are having a luncheon, and if you want to attend contact old friend Paul Roden, Stuart Douglas, Phil Harbour or Paddy Murphy.