Brilliant Blackpool Festival

This Saturday saw the annual National Masters Festival at its spiritual home of Blackpool’s Stanley Park.

Crusaders Masters players turned out in great numbers to support our neighbours, North East Thunder.

Butch on the break!

Plenty of our numbers arrived on Friday evening and met up for a few relaxing quaffettes in Ma Kelly’s Showboat. Everyone had a good giggle and probably ended up a bit too relaxed! A full English and a brisk sea front stroll sorted us out the next morning though!

The Festival saw us drawn against Warrington outfit Golborne Parkside and Bradford outfit West Bowling.

In the first game, against Golborne, we got off to a great start. Having received the kick off the team clawed its way to the half way line where, on the 5th, Jase put a kick in to the corner. Our defense held tight and gave us a great starting point for our next set. The team tried its best to get a try in that next set but were held out. However, a fumble from Golborne deep in their own half saw Thunder capitalise, moving ball away from the ruck with great runs from Ben, Butch and Alex. Within a couple of plays there was enough room for twinkle toes Don too turn the hips of a couple of Black shorters and crash over, having collected them on route to the line.

The game remained open and flowing for both sides and was played in fantastic spirit. Thunders defense held firm until around the 20 minute mark. When, after a fumble from Thunder, Golborne got over the whitewash after a brilliant passing move.

After 25 mins of brilliant Masters Rugby League the Match Official blew the whistle and it really was honours even.

Thunder had the privilege of a break before taking on West Bowling. Time for a bit rehydration to help us counteract the relaxation fluid from the night before.

Again Thunder listened to those pulling strings and every player was keen to get their hands on the ball whether it was just a hit up or pulling off switches, miss moves or wedges.

As with the first game, the game was pretty much even throughout and there was some great banter between the teams. Thunder kept ticking away and remaind calm and resolute in defence. The breakthrough came at around 15 mins when Big Foot intercepted a flowing passing moving from West Bowling near Thunders line. There was our no stopping our not so mythical humanoid creature who went the full length to score the only try of the game. The game continued in the same spirit as it started with both teams turning on the style with the ball but were being kept out by dogged defences. After 25 mins the Match Official called time and Thunder were very satisfied with their days performances.

After the games, everyone retired to the marquee at the cricket club for food and the awards. It was fantastic that our Hungarian Sasquatch picked up the Masters Moment Award for his great try!

Thank you North East Thunder for the invite to guest. Well done the 10 Crusaders who made the trip. Awesome.

Next up is our final game of the year, at home, to our new, but great friends, Doncaster Toll Bar. 27 September at Robertson Rd, https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdq7h6d9/