NORTH MIDLANDS TO PLAY AT DAMSON PARK

North Midlands have confirmed that they will play their County Championship Bill Beaumont Cup Second Division match against Devon on May 14 at Birmingham & Solihull’s Damson Park ground (3pm).

The fixture was confirmed after a recent visit by a delegation of senior county officials to the ground which Birmingham & Solihull share with non-league football club Solihull Moors.

“Having visited Birmingham and Solihulls new venue with senior members of North Midlands Management committee last season it is with great pleasure that we have been able to accept their very generous offer to hold the forthcoming Bill Beaumont county championship cup game against Devon, “ said North Midlands President Steve Guy.

“Junior Vice-President and team manager Charlie Hemmings and Dai Scard, our Chairman of Rugby, visited visited the club last week and were very impressed with every aspect of the facilities

“It is imperative we as a County continue to support The Cup. We have selected a dynamic new coaching team, we can now add to this a superb venue. Devon traditionally have a very strong squad and I expect a tough match.  I am really excited about this year’s campaign and looking forward to a great rugby day.”

North Midlands have appointed Scott Bemand, the former Harlequins, Leicester and Bath scrum-half, as their new head coach following his retirement from playing.

Bemand, who is now assisting with the coaching at his first club Luctonians, will be assisted by former Moseley hooker Dan Protherough, who previously coached North Midlands Under 20s, in a new-look coaching team.

North Midlands will begin their County Championship campaign with a trip to Taunton to play Somerset on Saturday May 7 (3pm).