Masters get Crusaders started for 2023

On Saturday 04 March, Catterick Crusaders Masters team got the clubs' 2023 playing schedule underway.

The team traveled to West Yorkshire to take on Boothtown Terriers. John "Longers" Longden (black shorts) made his debut at hooker and he clearly hadn't lost any skills in his dummy half pass. Also on debut was Romoi "Bas" Baselala (white shorts) who wreaked a fair amount of havoc at Stand Off and then Centre.

The game was started in the usual manner with both sides shaking each other's hands and wishing each other a good game. The spirit of Masters continued throughout the game with some lively chat and banter but also some great Rugby League on display.

The comedy moment came from mouth of Boothtown and the boot of scrum half Jason "Jase" Grant, when Jase listened to the shout of "5th and last" without looking at the referee. Whilst admiring his own hefty kick Jase soon realised, by the shrieks of laughter from Boothtown that they'd stitched him up and it was only the 4th tackle (in Masters you can only kick on the 5th and last!). The Boothtown loanee who fell over his own feet trying to clear the Crusaders line does come a very close second though!

At the end it was the usual joint huddle before taking advantage of some Boothtown hospitality.

Catterick Crusaders Masters would like to thank Boothtown Terriers Masters for a very enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to the return leg.

Final Score: 0-0 (Masters don't keep score).

Crusaders Master of the Match: Jase

Boothtown Master of the Match: Chinny

Next Game: Saturday 15 April v Guiseley - away