Crusaders Welcome Barrow

On Saturday Crusaders Masters welcomed our friends from Barrow Masters to Wavell Rd. The teams had met just two weeks previously at the Masters in the Lakes Festival in Ambleside. That game was a really good game and set the seed for another enjoyable encounter on Saturday.

Crusaders unfortunately suffered from a couple of availability reversals but still managed a creditable 11 Crusaders which were backed up by a Flying BigFoot (see photo), the ever dependable Barry Sharrock, Jim “The Legend” Collins and Andy “Snake Hips” Shute. Thank you Gents, always a pleasure, never a chore!

Our friends from Barrow were also tight for numbers due to various commitments but fellow Marra’s from around Cumbria answered the call! We must admit we find the stipulation, of “can you come to Catterick, but you must have Gold Shorts?” a bit strange, but whatever works for you guys 😉😂.

The game was again, a cracker. Both teams were very evenly matched with Barrow able to capitalise on a couple of Crusaders errors in the first half.

At half time Crusaders had a good chat and made few positional and tactical changes. Making much better use of our Gold, Green and Blue shorters, Crusaders made good yards forward. Added to that an improved defence, Crusaders spent the majority of the half camped in the Barrow 30. Only a superbly organised Barrow defence keeping Crusaders out. The game was played in the true #spiritofmasters and we look forward to heading West in August.

A milestone was reached for one of our opponents. David Farrell who was guesting for Barrow, who will shortly reach the end of his 6th decade and Saturday’s game was his last in Gold Shorts ! We look forward to playing against him in the not too distant future, when he’s sporting his Green shorts.

No David’s were injured making this photo!

As usual, both teams were well looked after by The Hildyard Arms, post match. A few refreshing quaffettes and a tasty Ruby Murray, thank you John and your team.

Congratulations to posh Cumbrian, Longers, who deservedly took the Master of the Match award. Jase was awarded Richard of the Day, for an off the field administration error, which may go to tribunal as he was suffering from a severe case of Manfluenza. Not only was he dehydrated it was actually touch and go whether he would survive the afternoon!

LEGAL NOTICE: Claims Jase attempted to cheat in the Boat Race are baseless and should be disregarded. Jase appreciates the kind messages of support from around the Rugby League Masters World, and appreciates the support from the Support The Hildyard One Group!

Finally!!! Our U12’s are booked onto the Rhino Challenge 2027. Like true Crusaders, they are trying to help their parents by trying to raise some money to fund the trip. Please take a look. https://www.gofundme.com/f/one-peak-one-dream-lets-get-to-leeds-rhinos-challenge-2027?attribution_id=sl:771b9cc6-e917-444f-a0eb-d48e3ea3774b&lang=en_GB&ts=1782149157&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&fbclid=IwRlRTSASmdaFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe2B4QEWznDnhvGvelV4-3HCljAB1fxqSJwHqPK_jARq0zFr9zHyl85Afzd2s_aem_G896M0r5WgQ55o_bcZ9uhw