There is no doubt that the attention will be on our history making Under 18’s and their National Colts Cup adventure over the next 48 hours. However, to add to that palpable excitement, we also have the small matters of a must win Men’s 1st XV fixture v Old Albanian and the season finale for our Foxes to look forward to also.

It is only right however, that we start the preview of Round 27 by focusing on the National Colts Cup semi-final between Bury St Edmunds and Tonbridge Juddians.

In 2007, Charlie Wapshott lead the Bury Under 18’s – including a certain Ben Cooper - to a National Colts Cup Plate victory at Franklins Gardens. A remarkable achievement that at the time, was something that the club could only have dreamt of being bettered. Many Bury Colts sides since have put in admirable campaigns, but the class of 22/23 have taken it to a whole new level – on and off the pitch. Now, on Sunday, they have a chance to grab their ticket to the biggest dance in Under 18 rugby & to further engrain their story into the history of our club.

Following 5 wins in the previous rounds against, North Walsham (36-13), Bishop’s Stortford (22-20), Shelford (15-7), Maidenhead (15-10) and Westcliff (39-10), the Bury Boys will face their toughest challenge to date in the last 4. Last year’s finalists and previous winners of the competition, Tonbridge Juddians, will come to the Greene King IPA Haberden on mass and highly confident. For sure, our Colts will be lining up against a fantastic side and they will undoubtedly need to replicate the heroics, heart and skill – and more - from the previous rounds to continue this wonderful journey.

That said, with the talent, commitment and unity our squad possesses, the dream of a place in the final is well within the scope of reality for this group too. Indeed, it is the tightness of the whole group that Head Coach, Samir Kharbouch, has attributed a lot of the success of this team to.

To avoid duplication, you can read more about the fixture and the thoughts of Samir in the Suffolk News preview of this fixture, here.

In conclusion of our own preview, we will take this opportunity to wish the whole group the very best of luck for Sunday. The club is incredibly proud of every single member of this group and their achievements, conduct and development to date – on and off the pitch. You have made history but have the chance to continue this journey for us all – and none of us want it to end just yet! Regardless of the outcome, enjoy the day, wear that famous shirt with pride and make more memories together.

The whole club is proud and behind you.

We would of course encourage every supporter to make every effort to attend on Sunday. Kick-off is at 14:30h, the bar will be open and you can enjoy a curtain raiser fixture from our U13’s beforehand too. We expect the club to be busy, so please take this into consideration, stick to parking guidance and have a great day.

By Alex Rowles.
This Sunday, the match between the Foxes and Lichfield promises to be an exciting affair. The Foxes will be looking to end their season on a high by disrupting Lichfield's aim to secure a 5 point win and challenge for the top of the table.

The Foxes have made an interesting change to their line-up for this game, with the versatile back three player Steph Durrant moving to centre and partnering with Grace Deane. Grace is currently tied with scrum half Georgie Palmer for the top try scorer of the season, so we wait to see who will finish top!

The Foxes want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped and supported them, including players, coaches, staff, and volunteers. They also want to thank their loyal fans at Haberden for their unwavering support throughout the season.

Finally, the Men’s 1st XV face Old Albanian RFC on Saturday at The Haberden.

Last week’s loss to Barnes was a very flat and disappointing afternoon for all involved, so the Bury Boys will be desperate to make amends in front of the Bury faithful tomorrow. Director of Rugby, Jacob Ford, has called for more bite and for his side to empty the tank in response.

Fixtures against the Hertfordshire side have always been close and exciting affairs. The return fixture this season was no exception, with Bury racing to a strong lead but being pipped to the post following an Old Albanian resurgence in the second stanza.

Both sides are well known for their style of rugby and in contrast to last week, attendees tomorrow will be hopeful of a spectacle reflective of drier days and harder grounds.

The hosts sit just one place above the visitors and tomorrow’s victors will naturally take the higher league position by close of play. Ford has been vociferous about reaching the goal of the highest ever National League position finish and to make sure that this target remains on track, it’s probably fair to say that tomorrow is a must win fixture for The Wolfpack.

Bury have introduced young gun, Ollie Saddleton, at 12 and crowd favourite, Shaq Meyers will start at 7, whilst Fin McCartney is set to win his 50th cap tomorrow – another great achievement.

In other matchday news, our thanks go to our Matchday Sponsor: Morrish Structural Engineers who are new sponsors this season.

You may have noticed their sponsorship of the car-park flags, but they are also supporting many other areas of our club.

Morrish Structural Engineers is located in the historical town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk and offers both Structural and Civil Engineering consultancy services.

Morrish Structural Engineers responsive approach to the changing needs of their clients, coupled with sound engineering skills means all clients can expect a reliable, efficient and comprehensive service.

To learn more about Saturday's Match Day Sponsor, either speak to Jonathan Parker or visit: www.morrish.co.uk.

Thank you to Jonathan, Nathan and the team for their support. We hope you have a wonderful day.

Finally, we will be joined tomorrow by the organising team from Relay For Life Bury St Edmunds who will be fundraising in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Relay For Life celebrates the power of community fundraising in the fight to beat cancer.

Teams of family and friends fundraise for life-saving cancer research then unite as a community to honour everyone affected by cancer and celebrate the progress made in research.

Please do give generously to this wonderful cause if you can.

It’s a weekend we’ve all been looking forward to and it’s finally here for you to enjoy. Enjoy our facilities, enjoy the occasion and enjoy a true Bury Rugby weekend. Good luck to all those playing – come on Bury!