ALONG with most of the other clubs in the north, Tyldesley RU got the weekend off due to a frozen Well Street pitch.

In what is becoming a hectic season, the title chasing Blues enjoyed a week off from a campaign that sees them fighting on three fronts.

Their second spot in the North Lancashire Division is no real surprise to many with Tyldesley, De La Salle and Trafford all playing at a higher level last season. It was always going to be a question of which order those three finished at the top come the end of season with the nine other teams being brought up from the level below fighting for the remaining places.

With long term absentees returning the Tyldesley squad is now getting stronger while other sides are suffering from wafer-thin cover in key positions. With the average age of the Tyldesley side around the 26 mark it seems all looks well for the immediate future. Tyldesley's impressive Lancashire Trophy win at Warrington sees a quarter-final clash with West Park St. Helens at Well Street in March. However, Tyldesley face their biggest challenge for many years when they travel to National One side Manchester in the first round of the Lancashire Cup on February 18.

The key to Tyldesley's success seems to be that Tyldesley have been training throughout the bad weather thanks to the kindness of local DIY company Focus Do it All who have allowed them to use their floodlit car park on Tuesday evenings, added to that Tyldesley also make use of the all-weather pitch at Fred Longworth High School on Thursday nights.

Work is starting on Tyldesley's new Clubhouse with Salford based Company SNAPE the winners of the contract to build the £700,000 facility which is due for completion by the beginning of August.

The Club has launched its 'Buy a Brick' fund which will raise much need cash for future development of both players and facilities. Any local companies interested in having their name displayed in the new foyer of the Clubhouse can contact the Club on 01942 882967 or Email the Club at tyldesleyru@hotmail.com.

Tyldesley travel to Ashton under Lyne for a difficult league game tomorrow.