RICHARD Elliot has stepped into the breach as Winnington Park Rugby Club's new chairman.

He fills the position vacated by Mick McCafferty, who quit at Thursday night's AGM.

Elliot has had a number of previous roles with Winnington Park and Cheshire RFU. He is joined by Paul Almond as vice-chairman.

Both have played for Park's lower sides for more than a decade and have also been actively involved in coaching as part of Winnington's highly successful mini and junior section.

Elliot said: 'We want to maintain and develop the club as a first-rate facility for rugby players of all ages and abilities in the Northwich and surrounding area and in order to achieve this we will require the support of all the membership'.

McCafferty, who has been a stalwart of the club, is stepping down after becoming the landlord of the Stanley Arms at Anderton. He has been invited to become president for the club's centenary season and is currently working out whether he will be able to juggle the two roles. He said that, whatever the outcome, he would still be involved, albeit in the background providing advice and support to the new committee.

Mark Patterson was elected as club captain with Gavin Kay and Mike Jones as 2nd and 3rd team skippers respectively.

* Saturday morning saw the first of Winnington Park's four rugby taster sessions aimed at primary school children. Despite the poor weather the event was well attended and the club is hoping for even greater numbers at the next session which is scheduled for Saturday, June 30, from 10.30am-noon.

For further information, call Richard Elliot on 07899 002952.