Yesterday, Crusaders Masters took on Boothtown Masters in the opening game of the season.
Numbers were a bit tight for the fixture due to work commitments, illness, family commitments and Darlington Rugby Union's Cup fixtures. However with help from our Masters brothers from North East Thunder Masters we assembled a squad of 14.
As ever the game was played in great Masters spirit with both sets of white and black shorters getting stuck into each other as well a few red shorters who clearly indicated they were happy "their terms" were not passive terms.
Longers had a cracking game putting himself around park and scored a beautiful try off the back of some slick hands. We'd have loved to have had a drink with him afterwards but his butler was waiting impatiently in the Bentley to whisk him back to his mansion in Cumbria as he had guests staying in the converted stables.
Lee Kelley gave us some great go forward with some barnstorming runs, well, the ones not pinged by the ref for using a hand off were anyway!!! He'll get used to it.
Two players made their debut yesterday. Simon Priestley, who previously coached Crusaders Open Age alongside Jase. Paul Goad also made his debut and played an absolute blinder.
Guest player Alex Cook-Smith was awarded his Crusaders heritage number, having now played 5 times for us as a guest.
Guest player George Taylor took the very well deserved Master of the Match Award. His devastating side step was even on display in the bar, where he dodged the pint off with the opposition MoM.
Crusaders Masters would like to thank Boothtown for travelling up for what was a great game.
Thank you Paul Clarke for not only reffing the game but also for providing the aftermatch snap. The best Currywurst you'll get outside of Germany!!!
Thank you to John and the staff at The Hildyard Arms for hosting us after the match.
Thank you to our kit sponsors Marstons and our after match polo sponsors, Burties Hair Design, iSecure Group, Lighthouse Risk Services LLP, eCreative Design and Top Third.
Crusaders Masters are next in action at the Cumbria Festival on 27 April.
For more photos of yesterday please visit the shared gallery on our Website.