RUGBY playing staff at the Low Wood Hotel have thrown a lifeline to ailing Ambleside RUFC who have pulled out of the league because they are short of numbers.

Last year the English staff at the Windermere hotel played the South Africans employed there in a rugby match and such was the interest that it has become an annual fixture.

This year's rematch is coming up fast on October 17 and the hotel lads have got Ambleside's agreement to use the Galava Park ground and are looking into regularly fielding a team, or maybe joining forces with the existing club to help them regain league status. Head chef Neil Dutton, who played for Wensleydale, reckons that there are enough experienced players to form a Lakes Hotels side and attract the sponsorship needed.

He said: "It's just the start but it's something that may be fruitful for Lakes Hotels and Ambleside rugby."

FOOTNOTE: The South Africans beat the English 17-0 last year (one try equalled one point!)