O/T Army v Doncaster at Aldershot : Mon Mar 03, 2014 6:33 pm
As it doesn't clash with the Broncos I've had a couple of people asking me about the Challenge Cup 3rd round game in Aldershot via PM and at the Skolars yesterday so thought I'd post the details as others may be interested.It is on Sunday 16th at 15.00 at the Army Rugby Stadium, GU11 2JL. If you are driving come off the A331 at signs for Aldershot Military Town and it is on the left, just past the Military Museum so you can follow signs to that. Parking is likely to be officials only, weather permitting they often allow parking on the old polo pitches opposite. Worst case scenario drive past the stadium and turn left at the first traffic lights. There is a free car park there and you are about 5 mins walk from the stadium. The stadium is home to both the Army RU and RL so the pitch is usually good. There is a moderate size stand that should be big enough to cope with the whole crowd and uncovered flat standing around the rest of the pitch. The stadium is not in a secure part of the military town so no issues getting in.
The stadium is out of town. It is probably about a half hour to forty minute walk from the station - including one hill- or catch a no. 1 bus to Farnborough as it runs past the ground (there is a bus stop on Queen's Avenue. The bus station is next to the railway station, the No. 1 leaves at xx.10 and then every twenty minutes after that.) If you prefer taxis you normally find one outside the station. The biggest firm is Rushmoor Taxis on 01252 333 555.
There's not much around the ground in terms of facilities. The Army usually ensure there is a basic food offering and some beer available at their bigger matches but if that is important to you I'd advise checking. If you do want to nip into town to eat drink the best restaurant is probably Gurkha Raj Doot (ask for directions to Gurkha Johnny's) it is an Indian / Nepalese place. The two Good Beer Guide pubs are the White Lion, about 20 mins walk the wrong way for the ground from the station, a Triple FFF pub and the Garden Gate. This is a Greene King pub, usually two guests on and about 5 mins walk the wrong way from the station. The town centre pubs are nothing special but the old reputation that you take your life into your hands entering a town centre pub is totally undeserved these days. The George would be my suggestion though I drink in the White Lion and am rarely found in the town centre.
Ticketing arrangements have yet to be confirmed. Last time the Army reached the third round it was admission by donation to an Army charity as a by-law prevented them charging for tickets however the Army RU have subsequently charged for admission to that match so it may have been repealed. There certainly won't be a problem with numbers, the people of Aldershot generally are totally oblivious to the fact that the Army and Broncos juniors play there. Doncaster have put on a free coach for fans so there is likely to be an away support present. The Army usually throw in an Army band for pre match and half time entertainment.
If anyone is thinking of heading over feel free to ask questions and I'll try to help.