Masters Enjoy the Corey Graham Memorial Festival.
- Jason Grant
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 22 hours ago
On Saturday Crusaders Masters got out on the field of play for the second week running. This time it was off to Halifax to take part in a 4 way festival between ourselves, Boothtown, UK Armed Forces and Widnes.
Turn out for Crusaders was again good, and in such hot conditions we were pleased to also be backed up by Barry and Tex from NE Thunder, also James, Brian, Chris and Ceri who play for Scotland Masters, and our newest recruit he just didn’t know it at the time, Scott.
Having arrived in relatively good order Crusaders had a little bit of a shake out before the first game. This is where the decision was made that Jase was controversially nomintold, later, he was Richard of the Day. To be honest, Jase trying to utilise a player that was acting as opposition, was a bit of a howler, however, more on that later.
Our first game saw us running out against our great friends Boothtown Masters. A great contest ensued with both sides showing potent attack and resilient defence. Crusaders knew Gold short outside to inside combo would give them trouble if they didn’t shut it down early, and in the most part they did. A great flowing game of Masters to start our day.
Our second game was against Widnes Masters, a game we knew would be tough. They are a team made up of mainly Black shorters, they are physical, fit and very skillful. Widnes played a great flowing game with a correct level of contact in defence. Crusaders did, however, find themselves well within the game with a good distribution of Gold and Green shorts within the defensive line to take the sting out the Widnes direct game. With ball in hand Crusaders were happy to work the hard yards before throwing the ball about. Indeed a darting run from Andy saw him tip on Don, who somehow managed to squeeze through 2 Widnes Black shorters for a try. Our first playing experience against Widnes was a bruising but enjoyable experience.
After a short break to refresh, Crusaders took on their final opponents, UKAF. A number of our players have, of course turned out for UKAF previously so this was always going to be an interesting encounter. Again this was another new experience but proved to be a great game played in excellent spirit.
Post match controversy soon struck! Having got the team together Ben was ready announce who he was selecting as Richard of the Day. No vote. His choice was to give it to Jase for the aforementioned howler despite he himself replacing his boots for soup ladles and executing a howler of a kick. HE justified it by saying HE couldn’t vote for HIMSELF! In his acceptance speach Jase ensured democratic order would be restored at our next match, when once again it will be selected by vote. Jase would also like to thank the hundreds of well wishers that contacted him about this harrowing experience! The therapy is working!
However, one thing that could not be denied was the effort that Ben had put into his performance throughout the day. Quite rightly he was voted (can you see the irony?) Master of the Day for Catterick.
All teams were treated to a glorious spread by Halifax RUFC.
Ali aka Car Park, came up trumps on the raffle, well he would have but decided to select a Cas’ shirt as his prize! After much slating later, he saw the errors of his ways! Andy also bagged a raffle win, literally!
Lesson learned, never leave your raffle tickets with Goadie!!!
Crusaders Masters would like to thank the club kit supplier Pronto Teamwear.
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