Orrell save the best til last to secure the title!

With victory alongside a bonus point the clear target on a sumptuous day at Winstanley College, Orrell ran in four quick tries to immediately set the tone for the afternoon, securing the bonus point thanks to their opening blitz which set the tone for what followed.

From there, it became about working together, staying composed, and seeing the job through to secure the league championship.

The final outcome was also shaped elsewhere, with close rivals Fleetwood RUFC securing victory over Bury to confirm their own promotion.

It was a performance that reflected the standards the squad has set in recent weeks, completing a run of six consecutive victories in the closing stages of the season.

A key factor behind that consistency has been the influence of former rugby league star Denny Solomona and James Otutaha, whose impact has extended well beyond matchdays.

Clear emphasis on training standards, discipline, and teamwork helped drive improvement across the squad and the wider club.

And the structure, focus, and accountability they have brought have played a significant role in the team’s development over the course of the season.

That progress has not come without its challenges.

Earlier in the campaign, defeats to both Fleetwood RUFC and Ashton-under-Lyne tested the group and highlighted areas for improvement.

However, rather than derail the season, those moments proved to be pivotal - acting as a turning point, sharpening the squad’s focus, and helping to build the resilience that would define the run-in.

The response was clear to see, not least in the 40–22 victory over Fleetwood later in the season, which underlined just how far the team had come.

Throughout the campaign, the wider coaching team have played an important role, with their collective effort, preparation, and attention to detail underpinning performances week in, week out.

Equally, the commitment of the players themselves has been central to the club's success.

Their willingness to learn, work for one another and maintain high standards across the season, twinned with the push to build a stronger community atmosphere has created a positive environment for them to thrive.

Off the field, the continued support of the club’s executive team has provided a vital foundation, ensuring the structures are in place for the club to progress and succeed.

This success marks an important step for Orrell RUFC as the club continues its journey towards its centenary in 2027.

Promotion as league champions is a significant achievement, but also a reflection of the wider development taking place across the club.

Attention now turns to the next big occasion, with Orrell’s Under-16s set to face Warrington RUFC U16s in the Lancashire Cup final this weekend.

The match will take place at Vale of Lune Rugby Club, with a 3pm kick-off, and hopes are high the youngsters can come away with more silverware to add to the cabinet.