FROM football and rugby to motor racing and archery – sport is back and those involved are loving it!

With the first stage of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions being lifted on March 29, by the day more and more have been enjoying freedoms again in sport.

Easter weekend presented one of the first opportunities for many outdoor sports events to return.

The Cheshire Football League kicked off its 16-team Champions-League style tournament for the JB Parker Premier Division Challenge silverware – with Lostock Gralam among the clubs in action, while Hartford and Winnington Avenue featured in lower division competitions.Northwich Guardian:

Billinge v Lostock Gralam. Picture: Karl Brooks Photography

> Player breaks leg in Cheshire League tournament clash

Golf courses and fishing banks have been continually busy, while excitement is building for what is to come with stage two of the Government's roadmap to recovery.

Gyms can open from Monday for individuals or groups from the same household, Northwich Victoria fans are looking forward to seeing their side get started in the Heys Invitational Cup from April 17 while that day will also see Vale Royal Athletics Club runners compete in the Cheshire Cross Country Championships at Betley Court Farm near Crewe – an event delayed from January.

RUGBY UNION:

Excitement levels have not been reported greater though than at Northwich Rugby Club on Sunday when youngsters returned to the club's Superstars development training sessions.

After four months away there were smiles all round in the 20 degrees sunshine at Moss Farm.

Superstars coach Chris Blower said: “With the weather it’s as if someone knew we were all starting community sport again – it’s great to be back and there’s so much excitement and a real buzz around the group.

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“They’re so happy to be back we could have put them through anything – we could have asked them to throw a brick around and they’d have been happy because at last they’re back outside with their mates.

“Sunday mornings have been lacking during lockdown and I just could not wait to be back at the club and doing anything rugby related.

“The energy levels were super high – at least to begin with – although there was some tired legs by the end, among the coaches as much as the kids I suspect."

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Rugby training was staggered due to ever increasing numbers especially in the pre-school and reception age group and preceded by an Easter-egg hunt for the different age grade teams.

Easter eggs were also presented to each age group's star performers during training.

Looking ahead to what the kids can expect in the next couple of months, Chris said his goals are to make sure they have fun, and make sure they have not got too rusty since Christmas.

“We’ll be doing lots of games – not just rugby matches, but all sorts to keep the sessions light and enjoyable, but super active,” he said.

All children regardless of abilities are welcome to “give rugby a try” at Northwich Rugby Club, Moss Farm, CW8 4BH every Sunday. Sessions for three to five-year-olds are from 9.30am, and over sixes from 10.30am.

Winnington Park, meanwhile, say they have been inundated with enquiries from those keen to get back into sport.

All Park's rugby formats and teams have re-started with sessions on each week night and over the weekend. New players have arrived to join in the Mini and Junior team, Touch Rugby, Walking Rugby and senior Men’s and Ladies teams and they hope to see more over the coming weeks.

Initial sessions have all been about fun and enjoyment and the playing fields at Burrows Hill have been alive with the excitement.

”It’s been a long wait, but this week has been fantastic to watch,” said club president Brian Concannon who was particularly pleased to see the beaming faces of the club's younger players over the weekend.

”It was clear from the joyous atmosphere that the children and parents were desperate to return.”

Coaching teams at Park recognise that everyone is starting again, and training sessions have reflected this and will continue to do so in the coming weeks with lots of fun through conditioned games to develop rugby skills.

Park continue to run three senior men’s teams, a ladies team and mini and junior teams aged from under 6s through to under 18s for both boys and girls. The club also has a walking rugby and O2 Touch rugby squads.

Park plan to introduce tots rugby to an even younger audience in the near future.

Park welcomes new players for all its teams.

Men’s senior rugby training is every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. The boys under 16s, 17s, and 18s train on Thursday at the same time.

Walking rugby is at 6.45pm and every Tuesday and O2 Touch rugby takes place every Thursday at 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8.30am

Ladies’ senior rugby training is Thursdays at 7pm.

Mini and junior teams aged from under sixes to under 15s, and the under 13s, 15s and 18s girls’ teams train on Wednesdays and Sunday mornings.

Anyone interested in getting involved can make contact via the club website at wprfc.com or contact Dave Allcock on 077932 48310.

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Winnington Park ladies rugby players were back in training with smiles on their faces this week. Picture: John Pickering

ARCHERY:

The sun was shining on archers as well at the weekend.

"It has been a long time coming, but the sound of our bows sending arrows down the range is music to our ears," said Winnington Park Bowmen member, Michelle Oakes.

Some of their archers have not picked up their bows since last year due to lockdown restrictions, while others found ways to maintain their form at home.

With the outdoor season just starting, some of Winnington's archers already have their sights on competitions and are looking at how to progress to higher levels.

Others are simply enjoy shooting for their own personal well-being.

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"All of our Covid-19 procedures are in place to ensure we all stay safe and keep one another safe too," added Michelle.

If you would like to join the club, or find out more about archery, email enquiries@wpbowmen.com.

MOTORSPORT:

After 18 months of not being behind the wheel of his race car, Arron Sharp and his mechanic father finally got back to some normality at the weekend with testing at Silverstone for the forthcoming first round in three weeks' time in the 750 motor club Type R Trophy Championship.

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Arron is grateful to Fuchs lubricants and Rowtec Engineering for their support during these difficult times.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring the racer this season email sharp-motorsport@hotmail.com