RUGBY UNION: Exiles pitch in at the Kassam

RUGBY UNION: Exiles pitch in at the Kassam

9:00am Thursday 18th July 2013 in Sport

By Mark Edwards, Sports Editor. Call me on 01865 425451

London Welsh chairman Bleddyn Phillips

BLEDDYN Phillips says London Welsh will do – and have done – everything they can to ensure the Kassam Stadium pitch is in the best possible shape.

A combination of football, rugby and bad weather led to the playing surface cutting up badly last season.

It drew much criticism from Oxford United supporters, and this summer, U’s owner Ian Lenagan revealed that he has paid out more than £50,000 to try and ensure there is no repeat.

Welsh chairman Phillips says he shares the concerns of the U’s fans, and revealed the club have already paid a percentage of the outlay.

“We are very conscious of the need to look after the pitch,” Phillips said.

“We have a very good working relationship with the football club and are keen to maintain that in all respects.

“The pitch is very key and very sensitive to the concerns of both clubs.

“We have paid what I feel is a very fair share towards the pitch maintenance.

“I know it has been questioned about whether we are contributing towards it, but believe me, we are and have paid.

“We recognise the need to work with the football club and pay our fair and equitable share towards the upkeep and maintenance of the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Welsh will not have a set day to play home matches next season.

When there is a clash with United’s League Two fixtures, the Exiles will play on a Sunday, but if the U’s are on the road, it is Welsh’s intention to play on a Saturday.

And the club are also going to trial a Friday night home game, when Oxford are away the following day.

“We would like to play on Saturdays,” Phillips said.

“For the first few home fixtures, Oxford United are playing away, so it works quite well, but obviously if Oxford are at home, we would switch to the Sunday.

“We would also be keen to experiment with a Friday night match.”

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Article source: http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=79659&title=vb-nsw-cup-previews---round-nineteen

RUGBY UNION: Exiles pitch in at the Kassam